Work-related upper limb disorder
A musculoskeletal condition affecting the arms, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders or neck, caused or worsened by work activities involving repetitive or forceful movements, awkward postures or vibration.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“work-related upper limb disorder”WRULDExact equivalentA reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR 2013, Schedule 3, when cramp of the hand or forearm due to repetitive work, or tendonitis or tenosynovitis in the hand or forearm, is diagnosed in a person employed in a relevant occupation.
Irish HSA
“work-related upper limb disorder”Close equivalentReportable occupational diseases under the General Application Regulations 2007 include upper limb disorders where caused by work. Risk assessment of repetitive work activities is required.
US OSHA
“musculoskeletal disorder”MSDClose equivalentOSHA recognises musculoskeletal disorders as recordable illnesses under 29 CFR 1904.12. OSHA has no general industry ergonomics standard; a proposed standard was withdrawn in 2001.
Practitioner note: Early reporting changes the outcome. Symptoms raised at the discomfort stage are usually reversible through task redesign.