The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA)->http://osha.europa.eu/] published on 15 October 2007 the ’work-related musculoskeletal disorders: back to work’ that draws attention to the necessity of coordinated measures to enable the reintegration into the workplace of workers who are suffering of such disease.
In line with the 2007 campaign "Lighten the load", the "Back to work report" evaluates the effectiveness of preventative measures applied in the workplace and provides a general picture of European and international policy initiatives conceived to reintegrate workers with MSDs.
In this regard, evidence suggests that immediate and appropriate reintegration strategies increase the likelihood of return to work after illness or an accident.
"Lighten the load"
According to OSHA, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the biggest cause of absence from work in practically all of the Member States.
Under the slogan "Lighten the load", the campaign aims to support employers, workers, safety representatives, practitioners, preventive services, policy makers and other stakeholders in improving MSD prevention at workplace level. The campaign culminates in the European Week of Safety and Health at Work from 22 to 26 October 2007. The campaign will also feature Good Practice Awards which recognise organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions to tackle MSDs. OSHA will announce the winners at the campaign’s closing event in March 2008.
OSHA coordinates campaign activities and provides information in 22 languages via the campaign website.
Decent Work - Safe Work: a global report on work-related accidents and ill health
European Parliament adopts a report on workplace health and safety
