
Worker participation in the prevention of musculoskeletal risks at work
Keywords:Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) negatively affect the health of millions of European workers and the productivity and costs of businesses across all sectors. Workers are key to addressing these vital concerns.
This report proposes methods to actively involve workers in preventing MSDs. It includes practical examples and case studies from workplaces where workers participated to successfully tackle MSDs. It also presents the factors and conditions that are necessary for effective worker participation.
The report offers organisations, including small businesses, and policy-makers advice and guidance on how to manage the risks and implement participatory MSD interventions.
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Additional publications on this topic
Carrying out participatory ergonomics
Category:Musculoskeletal disorders
Category:Worker participation and involvement
Sarah Copsey, Ioannis Anyfantis, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Peter Buckle, Imperial College, London, UK
This article provides some basic guidance on how to carry out participatory ergonomics in the workplace, in particular for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It draws on a longer article on participatory ergonomics.
Occupational safety and health management systems and workers’ participation
Zofia Pawlowska, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Poland
As an essential element of each occupational safety and health management system, workers’ participation influences its effectiveness. Numerous cases and experience confirm that workers participation in OSH management can result in improved safety, health and well-being of workers. The participation can be implemented as indirect (through representatives) or direct, weak or strong, formal or informal, etc. Development of workers participation in OSH management is supported by legal regulations as well as standards and guidance on OSH management systems.