Winners of the MSD Risk Reduction Through Design Award have been announced

The awards, sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, spotlight design changes that reduce MSD risks across industries.

2025 winners

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Ainscough Crane Hire Limited won the 2025 MSD risk reduction through design award for creating a tool set that attaches to standard floor cranes, eliminating manual handling of heavy brake and wheel hub assemblies (up to 52kg) during crane maintenance. Developed by maintenance and engineering staff, the prototype was successfully tested across multiple depots with positive worker feedback.

UPM Raflatac have been recognised for creating a trolley that eliminates manual stacking of heavy laminate paper reels weighing 20-90kg.

A worker proposed the idea and built a prototype with the production and engineering teams using pallet and plywood. After thorough testing across all shifts, the final design allows workers to roll reels onto trolleys, which are then moved by forklift to an automatic stacking device, greatly reducing manual handling risks.

Chris Quarrie, chartered ergonomist, human factors specialist and chair of this year's judging panel, said the winners:

'We applaud both Ainscough Crane Hire and UPM Raflatac for reducing workplace MSD risks for their workers.'

On the importance of the awards and looking forward, Chris added: ‘These awards show how involving employees in design changes reduces physical lifting, bending, and twisting – creating healthier workplaces. We were thrilled with all the nominations this year and hope other workplaces will involve their employees in designing out MSD risks.’

Further information

For more details about the winners and their design solutions, you can:

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