E-fact 10 - Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in education

The available data for the education sector reveals very low rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Education workers have low exposure to repetitive hand and arm movements, and very few are at risk from carrying heavy loads. Typically, the tasks performed by employees, the majority of whom are teachers, are neither repetitive nor static. Employees can freely change their posture and generally carry light loads. The European Union has not passed any specific health and safety legislation covering education, but some general Directives and standards can be applied to the sector.