Nine Good Practice Award winners from six EU countries were honoured at the closing event of the ‘Lighten the load’ campaign. The awards recognise outstanding and innovative contributions to preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. EU-OSHA also presented its latest publication ‘Work-related MSDs: Prevention Report’ which sets out the latest scientific evidence on the issue.

• Press release on the Good Practice Awards
• Good Practice Booklet
• Download photos from the closing event and award ceremony
• Watch and download TV footage material of the event on Europe-by-Satellite

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of workers. For them, it is important to stay active and return to ordinary activities as early as possible. Therefore, the Agency has released the ‘Back to Work’ report and is organising the ‘Lighten the load’ campaign which culminates in the European Week from 22 – 26 October 2007, with a range of activities and events across Europe.

• Read the ‘Back to work’ report
• See the Press Release
• Visit the campaign web site

The European campaign aims to promote an integrated management approach to tackle musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) embracing prevention of MSDs, and the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already suffer from MSDs. Run by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the Lighten the load campaign involves employers, workers, workers' safety representatives, practitioners, preventive services, policy makers and other stakeholders in improving MSD prevention at workplace level. The campaign culminates in the European Week of Safety and Health at Work from 22 to 26 October 2007, and is an opportunity to make Europe's workplaces safer and healthier.