Labour inspectors' guide to assessing the quality of risk assessments and risk management measures with regard to prevention of MSDs

The purpose of this SLIC guide is to help national labour inspectorates develop inspection procedures and to increase the confidence of labour inspectors when addressing the quality of risk assessments and risk management measures with regard to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The document can also be useful for employers, workers' representatives and OSH specialists for developing or improving their risk management and for strengthening compliance. The 33-page publication was adopted in 2018.

Table of contents

Introduction
Legal requirements
General perspective on MSDs

• Definitions
• Working conditions and MSDs
• Examples of ergonomic risks
• Aggravating factors concerning MSDs
• The quality of risk assessment of ergonomic risks conducted by an employer

Process of risk assessment

• Identifying ergonomic risks and the workers who may be exposed to them
• Evaluating and prioritising risks
• Deciding on preventive and protective measures and taking action
• Monitoring and reviewing
• Methods for assessing risks in order to prevent MSDs

Examples of good practices

• Good practices applying a holistic perspective
• Manual handling
• Repetitive work
• Prolonged sitting

How to carry out an inspection using a MSD preventive approach

• Planning an inspection
• During an inspection
• After an inspection

References

Further information

Appendix 1 – List of questions for assessing the quality of risk assessments and measures concerning ergonomic risks

Appendix 2 – Models for assessing MSD risks

Appendix 3 – Ergonomic risks and workers who may be exposed to them

Appendix 4 – List of SLIC EMEX Working Group member organisations