This synthesis report is part of a much larger project intended to support policy-makers at EU and national levels by providing an accurate picture of the prevalence and costs of MSDs across Europe, pulling together existing data from a number of relevant and reliable official statistical sources...

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...

Checklist in order to make sure hairdressing salons are set up in a way MSDs are prevented. Among other issues the checklists addresses issues like: standing right, wearing shoes without heels, alternating tasks, ergonomic equipment, etc.

By using the Palm-to-Palm technique during cutting, you reduce the load on the hands, arms, shoulders and back. The Palm-to-Palm technique is most commonly used during hairdressing on the front, sides and back hairs. The two palms face each other during cutting. It is not a mandatory professional...

The main objective of the project was to reduce physical strain in order to lower the prevalence of knee and back problems and cut the rate of absenteeism. It wasn’t enough to change the working method of the workers but the task itself needed to be changed, by altering the street design (addressing...

The harvest and post-harvest handling of tomatoes is manual and labour intensive work. As this work involves a lot of repetitive movements, lifting, pushing and pulling, there is a substantial risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders.

In greenhouse horticulture, cultivation of strawberries is done on high racks, so-called gullies. The strawberry plants are at a height of 150-160 cm. To pull the blossoms through and clear out the plants, the workers usually walk on 30 cm high stilts. Because of the height and resulting insecurity...