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

Chapters in this Publication

Executive summary

EU-OSHA first took an in-depth look at the topic of work-related MSDs in its reports on work-related low back and upper-limb disorders in 2000. This time it looks at all MSDs, including the generally over-looked incidence of lower-limb disorders. This report confirms the Agency’s first research and highlights new aspects and trends. The summary provides an overview of the findings and recommendations for monitoring, research, prevention and practice. Read more...

Some key findings highlighted

What to do

1. Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, joints and nerves. All parts of the body can be affected, although upper limb and back are the most common areas. MSDs arise from movements such as bending, straightening, gripping, holding, twisting, clenching, squatting, kneeling and reaching. These common movements are not particularly harmful in the ordinary activities of daily life. What makes them hazardous in work situations is the continued repetition, often in a forceful manner, and most of all, the speed of the movements and the lack of time for recovery between them. Heat, cold and vibration also contribute to the development of MSDs. This section gives an introduction to the aims and the scope of the report as well as to the limitations. Read more...

3. Health problems

This chapter presents data from the European level as well as some national data. It also focuses on specific groups of workers particularly concerned, such as female and young workers, and not in the focus of attention. Lower limb disorders as well as the effects of increasingly static work, prolonged standing and sitting still remains underassessed. Data on work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the EU level is provided by two European as well as several national surveys. Occupational disease registers also provide some information, as musculoskeletal disorders are by far the most frequent diseases in most Member States. Some countries also record injuries, mostly back injuries from heavy lifting, as occupational accidents. Where this is the cases, figures tend to be higher than the ones for the related occupational diseases. Read more...

4. Costs of work related musculoskeletal disorders

As stated in a previous Agency report, the true extent of work-related MSDs’ costs across Member States is difficult to assess and compare. Some national studies conducted since the report was published in 2000, may help to assess the costs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a cause of concern not only because of the health effects on individual workers, but also because of the economic impact on organisations and the social costs to European countries. When examining the cost of MSDs, a distinction can be made between direct and indirect costs. The direct, visible costs are due to the management of identified musculoskeletal disorders and include insurance, compensation, medical and administrative costs. The indirect, hidden costs can be attributed to sick leave costs, including the hiring and training of new employees, the reduced productivity levels and the effects on production and quality of work (e.g. possible loss of customers due to delays or dissatisfaction). Read more...

5. Risk factors of work related MSDs

There are numerous established work-related risk factors for the various types of musculoskeletal disorders. These include physical, ergonomic and psychosocial factors. Unfortunately there are only limited European wide data on their occurrence and distribution in the population. The European Survey on Working Conditions addresses the following risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders: repetitive work; painful/tiring positions; carrying or moving heavy loads; other risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and more specific to certain professions, such as exposure to vibrations, lifting or moving people, tiring or longed standing or walking. This chapter presents data on the underlying risk factors and exposures that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. European studies are complemented by more detailed national research and monitoring, and a few case studies help explain the main issues. Read more...

6. Conclusions

MSDs are still an increasing and significant health problem within the European Union. In 2000, the Agency conducted one of its first EU-wide campaigns to raise awareness of the rising problem of musculoskeletal disorders and had a first in-depth look at the topic. This report aimed to provide an updated and more in-depth assessment of MSDs. The results of previous Agency research on work-related low back problems and upper-limb disorders were confirmed by this research, and some emerging issues were also identified. The following chapter provides a short summary of the findings and recommendations for action in research, monitoring and prevention, as well as proposals for the recognition and compensation of diseases on the one hand and for rehabilitation and back-to-work activities on the other. Read more...

6.5 Recommendations

Similar to the findings of the previous EU-OSHA reports on upper-limb disorders and low-back pain, our research concludes that there is enough knowledge to successfully apply the risk assessment and prevention approach of the EU legislation to the prevention of all MSDs, even though knowledge continues to develop. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to address MSDs risks. Read more...

7. Legislation

The European legal requirements regarding musculoskeletal disorders include international conventions and standards, European Directives and European standards. Read more...