Psychosocial risk factors are a significant cause of ill-health in many workplaces. This article shows how they can also contribute to the development of MSDs as well as their adverse effect on mental well-being.

This article presents a holistic bio-psycho-social view as the best approach to achieve effective management and prevention of disability caused by chronic disorders.

This case study examines the ErgoKita project, which studied risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nursery-school teachers and the effects of an intervention. It started with physiological work measurement, covering awkward postures such as sitting and lifting, and included provision...

The report highlights the main issues and aims to provide a well-founded evidence base, helping policy makers, actors at enterprise and sector level, as well as researchers and those who record, prevent and compensate occupational diseases in the European Union to set the agenda for the next years.

This case study looks at how a successful return-to-work plan was agreed and implemented. Simple measures such as maintaining contact with the worker during her sick leave and enabling her to return gradually made a big difference.

This case study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Early intervention (despite the lack of a firm diagnosis) based on risk assessment and trialling new equipment has helped to alleviate discomfort and prevent her symptoms...

This case study is about a female worker in the retail industry who has suffered from chondromalacia — a condition that causes abnormal softening or deterioration of cartilage in joints — for 2 years. Good communication and working relationships have proven to be instrumental in enabling her to...