Prevention strategies for MSDs in the healthcare sector

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are the leading cause of work-related health problems in the healthcare sector. The effects for staff, organisations and society include sickness absence, injuries and disability, increased costs, higher employee turnover, lower productivity and staff leaving the healthcare profession. Risk assessment is at the basis of a comprehensive approach tackling MSDs and includes technical, organisational as well as person-oriented interventions.

Size of the problem

Employment in the healthcare sectorThe healthcare sector encompasses a broad category of activities of hospital-based, residential and home care…