29 March 2004 - WRULD Initiative for Printing Industry Set for April
A new 2-year duration Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs) prevention initiative in the printing industry begins in April and will extend to pre-print and finishing activities, as well as operators of printing machines. Inspectors from the HSE’s Employment Medical Advisory Service are to assess the current control measures, and where these are seen to be inadequate, advice will be given on how to comply with the law.
Studies have shown that:
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WRULDs were poorly understood
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several of the printers interviewed were themselves suffering symptoms of a repetitive type injury
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employers were unaware of the need to report these injuries under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.
Dale Wallis of the British Printing Industries Federation and a member of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Printing Industry Advisory Committee (PIAC) commented:
"Upper limb disorders can be successfully managed by employers who take time to see which jobs could cause harm, doing something to reduce the risk, and helping sufferers back into work".
Bud Hudspith of the Graphics Print and Media Union (GPMU) and PIAC member, also commented:
"WRULDs are a serious problem for many GPMU members, especially in finishing areas. Print employers are more likely to be successful in tackling WRULDs if they involve our safety reps and members".
