This article reviews the impact that digitalisation is having on Europe’s workforce and looks at its effect on psychosocial risk factors (e.g. job strain, workload, work-life balance) and physical risk factors (e.g. repetitive tasks, posture) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It also...

This case study highlights that national occupational safety and health policy, strategies and campaigns recognise the importance of MSDs and their prevention. The strategic approach adopted looks at the benefits of MSD prevention for workers, employers and society. Legislation is goal oriented: the...

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 reports on an initiative in Sweden to raise awareness of and improve women’s occupational health in general and to reduce their risks of developing MSDs in particular. Under the initiative, labour inspectors were given training in mainstreaming gender into their everyday practice...

The UK legislative framework addressing MSDs has been in place for nearly 40 years, and the policy approach is to inform and enable employers, encouraging them to address risks. The strategy under discussion is the latest in a series of initiatives stretching back 20 years. MSDs are addressed under...

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 report examines the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the associated physical, psychosocial, individual and organisational risk factors in three specific groups of workers: women, migrants and LGBTI workers. It discusses why workers in these groups are more often exposed to MSD...