As the 2020-2022 Healthy Workplaces ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign draws to a close, EU-OSHA would like to thank its network of focal points and all other campaign partners across Europe for helping to make it such a success.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common work-related health problem in the European Union and lead to high costs to enterprises and society.
The key to reducing MSDs is the workers themselves who do the tasks and have the detailed knowledge and experience of how the job is done and how it affects them.
The Worker participation in the prevention of musculoskeletal risks at work Summary, now in more language versions, proposes methods to actively involve workers in preventing MSDs and includes practical examples, factors and conditions that are necessary for effective worker participation.
Also available is the Participatory ergonomics and preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace discussion paper that presents case studies on using participatory ergonomics to reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks in the workplace.
Check our OSH Wiki Carrying out participatory ergonomics article and explore the Lighten the Load priority area Prevention
Leading European experts and decision makers gathered in Bilbao on 14 and 15 November for a two-day conference to reflect on the outcomes of the Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load 2020-22 campaign and share insight on the future of musculoskeletal...
Powerful insights on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from top-level experts and decision-makers made EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Summit 2022 engaging and impactful. Held in Bilbao on 14 and 15 November and attracting more than 400 participants, the conference showed how much the ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign has helped to raise awareness about MSDs, which affect three in every five workers in the EU.
There is clear evidence that psychosocial risk factors play a causal role in the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. The executive summary - Musculoskeletal disorders: association with psychosocial risk factors at work - now available in more language versions, examines the evidence for the association between psychosocial risk factors and MSDs and provides recommendations for effective approaches to prevent MSDs.
Once MSDs have developed, the return-to-work process should be supported by a multidisciplinary approach involving various professionals and experts.
According to the discussion paper, Return to work after MSD-related sick leave in the context of psychosocial risks at work, the important factors for a successful return to work include a holistic risk assessment of physical and psychosocial risks, a planned return-to-work programme, involving the worker in the process, and a positive and supportive working environment.
Learn also about the effect of digitalisation on psychosocial and physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
There is a difference in employment rates between people with and without disabilities. Many disabled people and people with health conditions who can and want to work are excluded from the workplace.
In the framework of the UK Disability History Month 2022, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Great Britain’s workplace regulator - has published a guide to support businesses in creating an inclusive approach to workplace health.
The new guidance stresses the importance of making sure workplaces are accessible, that staff communication is clear and inclusive, and appropriate occupational health support is available. It focuses on early and supportive action that employers should take, outlines employers’ responsibilities, and preventive steps they can take to help people stay at work and be a productive team member.
Read the Press Release
Access EU-OSHA´s resources for workers with chronic conditions
Leading European experts and decision makers gather in Bilbao on 14 and 15 November for a two-day conference to reflect on the outcomes of the Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load 2020-22 campaign and share insight on the future of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) prevention.
