This week, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) is launching a new 'charter for work', calling on policymakers, employers and healthcare professionals to take action to decrease the number of people with MSDs.

Read the BBC news story here

According to ARMA:

* MSDs are the second biggest cause of work-limiting health problems and sickness absence in the UK, responsible for up to 10 millions lost working days in 2008/09

* The cost of MSDs to society is over £7 billion

The charter contains actions developed in partnership with NHS employers, The Royal College of Nursing and The Work Foundation. The actions are:

* Better flexible working arrangements and training of line managers
* The delivery of integrated services to ensure early diagnosis and treatment
* Ensuring an open dialogue between employers and staff to manage conditions

We're delighted that the pain and cost of MSDs are being highlighted and more is being done to prevent MSDs from happening in the first place.

We'll continue to monitor the 'new work charter' and do our bit to spread the news about MSD preventative strategies.