Report - Gender issues in safety and health at work

OSH in figures: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the EU - Facts and figures

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common occupational disease in the European Union and workers in all sectors and occupations can be affected. Recent figures, for example from Austria, Germany or France, also demonstrate an increasing impact of musculoskeletal disorders on costs. This latest report, following on from the Agency’s previous research, aims to give an updated overview of the current European situation as regards musculoskeletal disorders, the trends over the years since the first campaign in 2000, and a detailed insight into the causes and circumstances behind MSDs. The report highlights the main issues and aims to provide a well-founded evidence base, helping policy makers, actors at enterprise and sector level, as well as researchers and those who record, prevent and compensate occupational diseases in the European Union to set the agenda for the next years.

Factsheet 94 - Workplace Health Promotion for Employees

Four out of five European residents say that good health is crucial for their quality of life. Chronic disease has a major impact on quality of life. Many chronic diseases – e.g. heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer – can be largely prevented by a healthy lifestyle. These changes include improving the diet, enhancing physical fitness, and quitting smoking. Workplace Health Promotion means more than simply meeting the legal requirements for health and safety. It includes: improving the way work is organised; improving the working environment; encouraging employees to get involved in healthy activities; encouraging personal development.

Factsheet 90 - Maintenance and OSH — A statistical picture

Occupational diseases and work-related health problems (such as asbestosis, cancer, hearing problems, and musculoskeletal disorders) are prevalent among workers involved in maintenance activities. Maintenance workers are also at risk of all types of accidents. EUROSTAT data from five EU countries indicate that at least 15-20% of all accidents and 10-15% of all fatal accidents are related to maintenance operations (in 2006). It is essential to implement appropriate risk assessment procedures for maintenance operations, as well as employing adequate preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in maintenance activities.