Most common workrelated health problem in Europe

1
(No Transcript)
2
Most common work-related health problem in Europe

• A quarter of workers report suffering from
  backache and a similar proportion complain of
  muscular pains in the new Member States, the
  figure is almost 40
• Agriculture and construction workers report most
  musculoskeletal complaints, however all sectors
  are concerned
• A quarter of the time or more
• two thirds of workers are exposed to repetitive
  hand and arm movements
• a half work in painful or tiring positions
• a third carry or move heavy loads

3
MSDs affect

• Muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves in
  the back, neck, shoulders and upper/lower limbs
• The risk factors, working alone or in
  combination, include
• physical - force, repetitive movements,
  vibration, awkward postures
• organisational - low autonomy/job satisfaction,
  repetitive work at a high pace
• individual - medical history, physical capacity,
  age

4
Lighten the Load

• A European campaign to tackle MSDs in the
  workplace
• Builds on the 2000 European campaign
• Backed by the EU Presidencies of Germany and
  Portugal, European Parliament, European
  Commission and European social partners
• Culminates in the European Week of Safety and
  Health at Work from 22 to 26 October 2007

5
Lighten the Load aims

• Promotes an integrated management approach with
  three elements
• employers, employees and government working
  together
• addressing the whole load on the body  ie all
  the strains being put on the body, as well as the
  load being carried
• managing the retention, rehabilitation and return
  to work of those with MSDs

6
MSDs are preventable if the right action is taken

• We all share responsibility for tackling MSDs
• employers are legally required to assess
  workplace risks and protect workers
• safety isnt all down to the employer - workers
  should co-operate with employers to protect
  themselves
• safety representatives/institutions, governments
  and policy-makers have roles

7
Where to find out more

• There is more help and advice on how to stay safe
  and healthy at work on the Lighten the Load
  website - http//ew2007.osha.europa.eu
• And the MSDs Single Entry Point -
  http//osha.europa.eu/topics/msds