Belgium: Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders as a priority in the national strategy and campaigning on MSDs prevention

This case study highlights that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect more than half of workers in Belgium and are a growing cause of absence at work and of long-term disability. National occupational safety and health policy, strategies and campaigns recognise the importance of MSDs and their prevention. An important feature of these is collaboration, with experts providing an evidence-based approach to policy.

The strategic approach adopted looks at the benefits of MSD prevention for workers, employers and society. Legislation is goal oriented: the nature of the problems and their causes (and consequences) are described and information and tools are provided to tackle them.