Campaign to cut work-related musculoskeletal disorders
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is planning to launch a major campaign aimed to cut the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the European Union. The move, which was announced by the European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou and Agency Director, Hans-Horst Konkolewsky on 11 February, is in reaction to the high level of musculoskeletal disorders affecting workers in Europe, which are both costly and potentially on the rise. One of the most common disorders is back pain, but others such as 'repetitive strain injury' have also been increasing. The campaign will run until October 2000, finishing with the European Week for Safety and Health at Work. The aim is to raise awareness about an issue which affects millions in the European Union and which costs its businesses billions of euros. A recent European survey found that some 45% of respondents worked in painful or tiring positions, while 30% of them experienced back pain. 'MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders) must and can be avoided,' said Konkolewsky.