There is strong evidence that psychosocial and organisational factors raise the risk of MSDs, especially when combined with physical risks. This discussion paper gives an overview of the prevalence of MSDs in Europe and looks at the case of Italy, where a growing phenomenon of MSDs in the workplace...

Home-based working has some advantages, such as saving time on the office commute. However, it is also associated with an increase in prolonged sitting, social isolation from colleagues and difficulty in disconnecting. This info sheet explains why this can have a negative impact on teleworkers’...

This PPT focuses on home-based telework and why it should be part of every employer’s risk assessment process. It also describes the main work-related MSD risk factors associated with telework and provides preventive measures to address them.

This info sheet presents advice for effective worker participation in MSD prevention. Workers and/or their representatives should be involved in all stages of MSD risk assessment and prevention, including spotting hazards, assessing risks, and choosing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating...

This discussion paper investigates the effect of psychosocial risks on returning to work with an MSD. It concludes that the important factors for a successful return to work include holistic risk assessment of physical and psychosocial risks, a planned return-to-work programme, involving the worker...

This report reviews how telework was regulated at the EU and national levels pre-COVID-19, exploring legislation, employment and working conditions, occupational safety and health issues, and work-life balance. The role of collective bargaining and social dialogue is also discussed.

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...