Enter HSE's Risk-reduction through design award today

HSE’s annual musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) ‘Risk-reduction through design’ award is now open for nominations.

The award is open to UK employers of all sizes and industry sectors and is sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), the award aims to inspire employers to think about how changes to work can reduce the risks of Musculoskeletal disorders for their workers.

New this year: SME Recognition award - Small to medium enterprises (SME) recognition award

HSE recognise that small to medium enterprises (SMEs*) are a fundamental backbone to the UK economy, employing over half of the country’s workforce and account for over 95% of private sector businesses. HSE want to recognise the hard work and dedication of UK SMEs and their approach to risk reduction, and help support other businesses by demonstrating what is possible.

*SMEs are defined by number of employees. Micro businesses have 1-9 employees, small businesses have 10-49 employees and medium businesses have 50-249 employees.

To reflect this, there will be two categories for the 2024 awards:

1. Best overall MSD risk reduction through design award

2. Small to medium enterprise (SME) Recognition award

Employers who have made simple changes to their workplace, task or activities that have resulted in significantly reduced musculoskeletal risk to their employees are encouraged to enter.

This might include:

a reduction in lifting, pushing or pulling activities
removing the need for manual handling
a significant decrease in the need for awkward postures or the force needed to use equipment

The emphasis is on design solutions that have or can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders for their own workers.

How to enter

HSE can only accept nominations from employers of the workers who benefit from the design changes, and cannot accept nominations from marketing companies, consultants or designers.

Full details on how to enter, as well as case studies for previous winners, are available on HSE’s website.

Closing Date for nominations is 31 January 2024