EARLY signs show that this year's European Week for Safety and Health is set to break all records with thousands of organisations in the UK preparing to take part from October 16-22.

This year, the initiative coincides with Back Care Week and the emphasis will be on reducing back pain and musculoskeletal disorders by increasing awareness, identifying solutions and supporting practical projects in the workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders and back pain cost the UK economy £5 billion a year, with over 119 million days lost from work each year.

Helping to launch the Week this year is former international athlete Roger Black (pictured), who knows how costly ill-health and injury can be.

A broken foot during the peak of his running career led to two years of lost competitive work resulting in a £30,000 bill for specialist treatment and possibly the loss of an Olympic gold.

The only silver lining to result from those bleak days was the surprise diagnosis that his body had been out of alignment, which could have caused the broken foot. However, Roger fought to bring his level of fitness back and his reward was to win the European Championship for the second time.

"What the experience taught me is the importance of keeping healthy in terms of musculoskeletal 'well-being' and how much damage one can do to oneself if one is unaware of the problem," he said.

Now aged 34, Roger still runs to keep fit and healthy, and in good condition for new areas of work which include television presenting. He is one of the BBC's presenters at the Olympic Games.

"Like every athlete, I had to keep on top form if I was to keep my livelihood, but it is just as important for everyone in a working scenario. That is why it is so important to be aware of the dangers of musculoskeletal damage and take action to prevent it. I wish this campaign every success," he said.

Organised in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Week is also supported by BackCare, British Safety Council, CBI, IOSH, RoSPA, and the TUC. HSE Northern Ireland, the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Health Promotion Division of the National Assembly for Wales are also taking part.

Organisations of all sizes and sectors are invited to do something to improve health and safety within their environment, ideally with the focus on back care. A free action pack is available via HSE's hot-line on 0845 2701100.

HSE's Director of Information, Peter Rimmer, said: "Back pain and musculoskeletal disorders affect more people than any other industrial injury or disease. The Week is an opportunity for people to sign up and take action to eliminate health and safety problems in their workplace. Feedback shows that the Week is an enjoyable, rewarding and highly participative activity. I would urge everyone to get involved!"

Activities for the Week will include a nationwide series of moving and handling workshops for care providers organised by Mulberry House and St John Ambulance, all free of charge. Dozens of hospitals and local authorities are planning similar events and action packs have already been requested by a range of businesses from global corporations to corner shops. Last year's winners included a Yorkshire chip shop with just one employee to huge companies such as Nationwide and British Sugar.