Excessive weight over long periods of time - Case study advice

Hi, I'm new to the site but have a question in relation to having a case study carried out.
A few weeks ago there was a change in policy at my work. As such my colleagues and I are having to wear up to 3.5st (49lbs?) in equipment and PPE for up to 7hrs during a 12 hour shift. These 7 hrs are on our feet and the weight consists of 4 or 5 items which pull in opposing directions when worn causing posture and compression issues. There has been a large increase in people attending the Occupational Health Department requesting pain relief for neck, shoulder and lumber region problems. I have trawled the internet and spoken with my physio searching for information and he has advised me that he has also looked for the same and can find nothing. I have tried to make contact with my local university as they run a number of physiotherapy courses but have yet to hear anything back from them.
Basically my questions are - Is it possible to request a case study to be carried out? Who would be the best people to approach (I'm based in Cumbria)? What would the cost of such a study be?
The reason I ask is that I intend to contact my union and suggest that this may be a worth while investigation as it may provide the employer and more importantly the employee with more factual based evidence regarding the damage that is being done as it is affecting people over a wide range of fitness levels.
Thanks in advance.

Hi,
the University of Cumbria has got a department of Occupational Health offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
I would try to contact them.
Regards,
Fyzzio

Fyzzio,
Thanks for the information.
I've just received permission from my professional body to begin making enquiries so will try giving them a call on Monday (24/03/14)

Regards