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 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...

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...

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.