International News

With the right support and adjustments, many workers with chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can continue to work. Our new info sheet and infographic — available now in the chronic conditions priority area of the Lighten the Load campaign website — explain how simple measures to help an individual remain in the job can often benefit the whole workforce.

The four-page info sheet contains information on employers’ responsibilities, tips on workstation adaptations, examples of open conversations that can support individuals with chronic conditions and much more!

A new discussion paper explores the benefits of using participatory ergonomics (PE) —involving workers in planning and controlling work activities — to tackle work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

How can we prevent work-related MSDs from becoming chronic? What’s the best way to support workers with chronic MSDs to return to or remain in work? The new priority area on our Lighten the Load campaign website — a dedicated section packed with case studies, research findings and practical tools and advice — explains it all.

As Europe’s working population is getting older and retirement ages rise, early intervention and effective approaches to managing chronic MSDs are fundamental to retaining valued workers and boosting businesses and economies.

With such diverse tasks, as livestock handling and tree felling, it’s no wonder that agriculture and forestry is one of the most dangerous sectors in Europe. If this sector is to survive, we must anticipate and address the occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges that lie ahead.

A new policy brief identifies the traditional dominant risks in the sector, such as animal handling and accidents related to tractors and the use of chainsaws. It also takes a closer look at the OSH challenges that might arise from the major emerging risks for the sector.

EU-OSHA’s multilingual Thesaurus, consisting of a list of occupational safety and health (OSH) terms grouped together in a hierarchy, is now available. The tool also contains synonyms and some definitions and it is now fully integrated in the European Union Terminology Database (IATE).

You can search and browse nearly 2,000 OSH related terms or download the complete Thesaurus in an Excel format in any of the 25 EU languages.

OiRA in national OSH strategies and legislation

Protecting the safety and health of workers in micro and small enterprises (MSEs) presents a bigger challenge than in larger companies. MSEs show lower levels of compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and often underestimate the OSH risks present in their business.

Since 2007, when Napo introduced his Lighten the Load film to raise awareness about work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the still high prevalence of this serious health problem in Europe, has inspired Napo to present 6 new video clips, once again full of humour and good advice.

Why are particular groups of workers more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? What are the barriers to preventing and managing MSDs? Which workplace initiatives have proved successful?

Keeping up to date with research on Europe’s number one work-related ailment is crucial, whether you’re a policy-maker, employer or member of the occupational safety and health community.

You can find all the latest data, reports and analyses published by EU-OSHA in the facts and figures priority area of the Lighten the Load campaign website.

Every 8th of March continues raising awareness about the pending barriers and challenges in achieving gender equality for all.

On International Women’s Day, at EU-OSHA we highlight how women, among other groups of workers, are exposed to physical, psychosocial and organisational risk factors at the workplace when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including through the dual role of worker and unpaid carer.

Can you help us in achieving more equal, healthier and safer EU workplaces?