The project which resulted in the current report, aimed to analyse existing data in the European Union that could assist in illustrating the link between OSH and employability. The models to be used for the analysis and the definitions and key questions to be raised were discussed at a workshop in June 2000.
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.
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.
Diversity and diversity management in the workplace are
important issues in occupational safety and health today. However,
diversity has seldom been studied from the perspective of risk
assessment. Practical risk assessment tools that take into account
the specific risks faced, for instance by people with disabilities,
migrant workers, older workers, women and temporary workers,
are still rare.