This series of short informative case studies looks at a range of policy level initiatives across Europe and beyond aiming to prevent and manage work-related MSDs. The studies focus on achievements, factors contributing to their success and challenges encountered, and transferability to other...

This case study finds that the percentage of workers in Austria with a MSD is higher than the EU average. The AUVAsicher programme focuses particularly on MSD prevention and on SMEs. AUVA provides support to companies also through AUVAfit and BAUfit schemes. The AUVAfit programme has a specific...

This case study presents the successful return to work of a project manager after a year of absence due to piriformis syndrome, which causes pain brought on by prolonged sitting, among other things. Contact and support from her manager and colleagues throughout the worker’s absence made her feel...

This checklist provides guidance on the ergonomic design of a medication cart as this impacts patient and staff safety and health issues. The checklist is not a list of features, but rather a list of items that affect ease of use, safety, and effectiveness and reduce the chance of a medical error...

ARTEX is a small sewing plant with 14 female employees working five-day single shifts. Repetitive tasks, performed seated, increase the risk of MSDs. In addition to legally-required medical checks, assessment of individual workstations led to improvements in work organisation, layout and equipment...

This document provides instructions associated with the Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) method, and observational tool developed to provide a method of screening the working task quickly for exposure physical risk factor associated with MSDs.

The Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) method is an observational tool that covers an extensive range of physical risk factors including posture, repetition, forceful, vibration, contact stress and task duration: Is also involves the five main body regions to be assessed (shoulder, wrists...