Germany: A systematic approach to preventing MSDs

This case study highlights Germany’s holistic approach to tackling musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), facilitated by a comprehensive legal framework. MSDs are the most common cause of absence from work in Germany, and preventing them is one of the priorities of the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy.

The development and implementation of this strategy involves multiple stakeholders — the federal government, federal states and accident insurance institutions, as well as trade associations, safety experts and occupational physicians — enabling a multifaceted, collaborative approach. The Preventive Health Care Act provides a strong legal basis for such collaboration, and recognises the need to integrate activities aimed at improving health not only in workplaces but also in places where people live and learn.