Magazine 10 - Lighten the Load.

Chapters in this Publication

Chapter 01 - The impact of work changes on the resurgence of musculoskeletal problems

The fourth European working conditions survey (EWCS 2005) revealed that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problems in the EU-27: 25 % of European workers complain of backache and 23 % of muscular pains. Read more...

Chapter 02 - Implementing Germany’s Load-handling decree

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are one of the biggest health problems faced by employees in Europe. Studies show that over 40 million EU workers in all sectors of the economy are affected and that 40–50 % of all work-related health problems are due to MSDs (EU Commission, 2004). They cost EU employers billions of euros and weaken Europe’s competitiveness. The total cost for the economy and society is estimated at 0.5–2 % of GDP every year. The three most relevant risk factors for MSDs are lifting and carrying heavy loads, repetitive movements and poor posture at work. Activities of this kind are still widespread, despite continuous changes in the working environment within the EU. Read more...

Chapter 03 - Participative strategy for the management of musculoskeletal disorders in industry

This article presents a cost-effective strategy in four stages of increasing complexity to prevent MSDs. The so-called Sobane strategy can be used successively, when necessary, by workers, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practitioners and experts with complementary qualification levels. The objective is to guide people to recognise the conditions with a risk of MSDs, and to identify the most adequate corrective or preventive measures. Read more...

Chapter 04 - Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): a priority in Navarre

Anual handling of loads, sustained and/or forced postures, and repetitive movements are common risk factors in companies in the Navarre region of Spain. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leading to time off work are therefore a priority occupational health concern. Read more...

Chapter 05 - Improving ergonomics through patient lifting hoists: the Canadian experience

Nurses and nursing assistants have high rates of low back pain. Approximately one-quarter of Ontario’s nurses have musculoskeletal pain most or all of the time (Shamian et al., 2001). There is no doubt that manual patient transfers contribute to musculoskeletal pain among nurses. Read more...

Chapter 06 - Occupational risk assessment of manual load handling by under-18 year-olds

In Italy, under-age employment is an extremely complex phenomenon. It is difficult to investigate and, despite several different approaches, investigations have been unreliable because of the irregularity, illegality and type of work undertaken by young people. This has affected not only the economic and social aspect but also the ethical and political scenario. However, the national statistical data on accidents and occupational diseases confirm the so-called vulnerability of young workers, and call for specific action to protect them. Read more...

Chapter 07 - Upper limb disorders caused by excessive physical strain among seat upholsterers

Diseases resulting from one-sided or excessive physical strain of the nerves, muscles, bones and joints come under the category of occupational disorders which must be reported. Yet, in practice, such diseases are hardly ever reported. Read more...

Chapter 08 - Work-related diseases caused by physical overload in Estonia

Numerous studies of musculoskeletal disorders have been published over the last two decades (see Viikari-Juntura et al., 1996; ICOH, 1996; Sluiter et al., 2001). According to Kurppa et al., 1991, tenosynovitis and peritendonitis are 13–15 times more common in people who perform strenuous manual work compared with the frequency of these diseases in the population. It is estimated that occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on average account for 32 % of all musculoskeletal disorders. According to calculations made in the Nordic countries, almost one per cent of the gross domestic product of each of these countries is spent on these diseases (ICOH, 1996). For Estonia this would amount to at least EUR 110 million a year. Read more...

Chapter 09 - National campaigns on back pain

Back pain has received particular attention in Great Britain from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It was the focus of two campaigns combining media, stakeholder and inspection strands in summer 2005 and autumn 2006, and a third campaign, probably including a new emphasis on upper limb disorders, will run in 2007–08. This article gives an account of what the HSE has done so far, together with some learning points that might help others intending to run publicity, stakeholder and inspector campaigns concurrently. Read more...

Chapter 10 - The war on MSDs

After years of ineffective campaigns and incoherent policies it is time to declare total war on MSDs, using appropriate weapons and all available human resources. Needless to say, a coordinated strategy is also a must if the battle is to be won… Read more...

Chapter 11 - Napo: safety with a smile

The Napo series of animated films is produced in computer graphics featuring characters in the world of work. The main character, Napo, and his partners express themselves in wordless language. Their stories have an educational value. They provoke questions and stimulate debate; sometimes they provide practical solutions or lead to them. But how did Napo originate? Where does he come from? And how can Napo help‘Lighten the load’? Peter Rimmer, Project Manager for the Napo Consortium, explains. Read more...

Chapter 12 - Musculoskeletal disorders as industrial diseases?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have never been included in Norwegian legislation governing industrial illnesses. The move has been discussed on several occasions but changes in legislation have stalled for political reasons by arguments put forward by trade and industry and, in part, by the medical profession. There is now sufficient documentation and evidence available to prove that such disorders, subject to certain preconditions, can be attributed to conditions in the workplace. Read more...

Chapter 13 - Ergonomics standards in Europe: a Danish perspective

Pains in the arms, nape of the neck, shoulders and back are a widespread problem in Europe. These pains are often experienced by employees who spend a substantial part of their working day using machines or equipment of inappropriate design. Read more...