MSDs: Recommendations for Prevention, Rehabilitation and Occupational Reinsertion – Results from a Survey by the Ergonomics Working Group of the ISSA Health Services Section

Abstract

For most countries, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are still a major occupational health concern. It is therefore in everyone’s interest to have effective prevention and rehabilitation practices.

In order to compare the approaches of different countries for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders as well as the rehabilitation and reinsertion of workers with MSDs, the Ergonomics Working Group of the Health Services Section of the International Social Security Association has decided to carry out a questionnaire-based survey.

This questionnaire has been addressed to stakeholders that, directly or indirectly, are faced with the issue of work-related MSDs: accident insurance bodies, rehabilitation centres and their therapists, occupational physicians, human resource departments, professional organisations, trade unions, companies, etc.

The results have been analysed, they show a great disparity of modes of action both in prevention and rehabilitation. The Ergonomics Working Group of the ISSA Health Services Section will provide its conclusions and recommendations to advance the return to employment and job retention for these pathologies, which predominate in all countries.