The Labour Inspectorate announces a major campaign in the transport sector and the food and drink industry. The aim: to raise awareness and encourage companies to develop policies for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).


Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most common work-related health problem in Europe. According to data from the sixth European working conditions survey, three in five employees suffer from such complaints as back pain and pain in the arms.

The disorders are among the most common causes of absenteeism due to illness, long-term incapacity for work, and even early retirement.
 

Workers in the ‘transport and courier activities’ and ‘food and beverage industry’ sectors are often exposed to physical stress. This is why, at the request of the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC) of the European Union, an inspection campaign is being launched across Europe. This inspection campaign is directly linked to the European “Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load” campaign of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).

The Supervision of Welfare at Work will carry out inspections in our country until the end of June 2022. These should raise awareness about musculoskeletal disorders among companies and thus help reduce the number of occupational diseases and accidents at work.

In concrete terms, the campaign focuses on the quality of the risk analyses for the ‘manual handling of loads’ and how companies apply the policy in the workplace. The following points, among others, are discussed:

• Does the risk analysis cover all ergonomic risks?
• Does the risk analysis take the various risk factors into account?
• Is the analysis scientifically substantiated?
• Is the risk analysis inclusive?
• Has the risk analysis been drawn up by or with an ergonomist?

More information can be found on the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work website. Or contact Mensura’s – we can support you using a targeted approach.