Employers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common work-
related ailments.

They affect millions of European workers at a cost of billions of Euros to employers. Poor workplace safety and health practice results in high costs from sickness absence, lower quality work and lost production. Of course, tackling MSDs is about improving the lives of people at work, but it is also good business.

Tackling MSDs

Attention should be paid to identifying all possible risk factors, especially as a combination of factors may be causing even greater problems. Consult with staff and their representatives about any problems and potential solutions. No single approach works all the time, so expert advice may be needed for unusual or serious problems.

To prevent MSDs developing, risk factors in the workplace must be identified and then practical measures taken to prevent or reduce those risks.

You should adopt an integrated management approach to tackle MSDs that includes not just prevention, but also the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already have MSDs.

Attention needs to be paid to:

• risk assessment and management;
• health surveillance; training;
• employee information and consultation;
• ergonomic work systems. There are many risk factors that may contribute to MSDs development, including manual handling of loads, awkward postures, stress, vibration and a cold working environment.

Prevention:

• avoid risks
• tackle risks at source
• reduce risks by replacing the dangerous with the less dangerous
• evaluate and control unavoidable risks
• adapt work to the individual
• monitor and adapt to technical progress
• develop prevention policies
• provide good safety and health information and instruction.

Keeping workers with MSDs at work:

• provide rehabilitation
• reintegrate employees into the workplace.

European legislation

The prevention of MSDs is already recognised in European directives, Member States regulations and good practice guidelines. Directives are supplemented by a series of European (EN) standards, which flesh out the details or enable them to be implemented.

The main European legislation relevant to preventing MSDs is:

• 89/391, which provides a general framework for identifying and preventing risks;
• 89/654, which covers the minimum safety and health standards for workplaces, including seating, lighting, temperature and work stations;
• 89/655, which covers the suitability of work equipment;
• 89/656, which covers the suitability of personal protective equipment;
• 90/269, which covers the identification and prevention of manual handling risks;
• 90/270, which covers the minimum safety and health requirements for working on computer screens;
• 93/104, which covers the organisation of working time;
• 98/37, which covers machinery; and
• 2002/44, which covers the identification and prevention of risks arising from vibration.

Learn more about the European Legislation relating to work-related MSDs

 

Where you can get help

• Workplace occupational safety and health staff
• Trade associations
• National safety and health authorities.