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 highlights Germany’s holistic approach to tackling musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), facilitated by a comprehensive legal framework. MSDs are the most common cause of absence from work in Germany, and preventing them is one of the priorities of the Joint German Occupational Safety...

On the LU site in La Haye-Fouassière, near Nantes, the lines largely automated to make cookies, run at full speed. However, the plant has been identified by Carsat Pays-de-la-Loire as a risky company in terms of MSDs. The whole company, members of the CHSCT, occupational nurse, managers and...

This report focuses on the retention, reintegration and rehabilitation of workers with MSDs. It comes in two parts: a literature review on the effectiveness of work-related interventions, and an overview of policy initiatives in Europe and at the international level.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workrelated problem in Europe. Almost 24 % of the EU-25 workers report suffering from backache and 22 % complain about muscular pains. Both conditions are more prevalent in the new Member States, 39 % and 36 % respectively.