Risk controls for preventing work-related musculoskeletal and mental health disorders: A STAMP analysis of the Victorian heavy vehicle transport sector

Despite extensive research to demonstrate the influence of psychosocial hazards on the development of musculoskeletal and mental health disorders (MSDs and MHDs), current research demonstrates a significant evidence to practice gap in this area. This study investigated current risk management practices for prevention of these complex disorders in the Victorian Heavy Vehicle (HV) sector. A preliminary Systems Theoretic and Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) framework was constructed to represent management of Work Health and Safety (WHS) in this sector, based on Leveson's generic socio-technical control model, and review of grey literature and peer reviewed papers. The model was refined and updated following feedback from 13 subject matter experts. Key findings included: 1) risk management practices for preventing MSDs and MHDs were limited to reductionist approaches, including a narrow focus on management of physical hazards (MSDs) and modifying individuals’ behaviour (MSDs and MHDs); and 2) a high number of actors at the upper levels of the WHS system are a key barrier to the transfer of critical information to and from actors at the lower levels of the WHS system. In conclusion, to reduce the high prevalence of MSDs and MHDs in the Victorian HV sector, an urgent need exists for HV organisations to expand the current focus on safety and trauma outcomes to include health and wellbeing risks (such as MSDs and MHDs), and transition from a reductionist approach to systems thinking that reflects the complex aetiology of these disorders.