Three in five workers in the European Union suffer from work-related musculoskeletal conditions (MSDs). Changes in muscles, joints, or tendons caused or exacerbated by the effects of the job or work environment. Conditions that can significantly impair people’s quality of life and work capacity, while also forming one of the most common causes of disability, sick leave or early retirement.

Repetitive movement of the hands or arms, sitting for long periods of time, painful postures or temporary pressure are some of the risks that can lead to MSD, a preventable health problem. An accurate risk assessment and control, and encouraging employee participation in the process are key elements in achieving this.

One of the general principles of prevention is to avoid risks. It is therefore recommended, for example, to automate the lifting and moving processes; applying ‘ergonomic’ design solutions both in the workplace and when designing equipment and processes; or job scheduling to avoid forced positions or static postures caused by sitting for long periods of time.

But it’s also important to tackle risks at their source, for example by reducing the height at which loads must be lifted or by addressing organizational issues that may arise.

Preventive measures, which should also focus on the individual, trying to adapt the work to him. Thus, a workplace design can be proposed where there is enough space for employees to adopt correct postures; choosing adjustable chairs and tables also helps prevent MSDs; Allowing for diversity or allowing breaks in the way you perform work tasks can also contribute to this better individual adaptation.

As far as the technological process is concerned, measures such as keeping up with new mechanical assistance devices as well as more ergonomic tools and equipment will help prevent work-related MSDs; at the same time, maintaining employees’ own competence and confidence in technology.

Likewise, to avoid this, it is essential to replace something with risk for something safe or less risky, such as manually moving heavy loads for mechanical handling.

But in addition to the implementation of these measures, it is important to develop a coherent prevention policy that covers everything from technology to work organisation, conditions, social relations and work environment.

However, provide workers with good training and instruction in both the correct use of work equipment and the organization of work and the adoption of positions and safe postures in which they perform their duties in an ergonomic manner. . . .

A culture of prevention, the ‘Healthy jobs: let’s relax’ campaign, highlighted during this European Week for Occupational Safety and Health (October 24-28), organized by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU -OSHA) Castilla-La Mancha Community Board Economy, Business and The burdens to which the Ministry of Employment depends are developed through the action of the Deputy Ministry of Employment, Social Dialogue and Social Welfare. A campaign emphasizing the slogan: “Safety and health at work is everyone’s business. Good for you. Good job for everybody.”

Within the framework of Europe Week, the Ministry of Economy, Business and Employment has planned a series of events that include visits to business centers that have implemented a number of good practices against MSDs, such as visits to Mercedes Benz Parts Logistics Ibérica. (Azuqueca de Henares, Guadalajara), Amazon Spain Fulfillment, SLU (Illescas, Toledo) or Industrias Ángel Martínez López – La Piña- (La Roda, Albacete); Organization of the ‘Common Health Workshop’ held in Ciudad Real on 26 October in Ciudad Real; and dissemination of the ‘Take care of yourself to take better care of yourself’ campaign for the socio-health sector in Cuenca. Information about the events that are open to the participation of companies and the working population can be found at the address. Castilla-La Mancha Safety website.