Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related injuries. They affect workers in all sectors and are a major issue in terms of health and associated costs. More than a third of work-related injuries and three quarters of occupational diseases are of a musculoskeletal character.
According to data published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA), musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational disease in the European Union (EU-27):
MSDs are expensive disorders due to their direct costs (insurance, compensation, medical and administration costs) and indirect costs (staff substitution, loss of productivity, lack of motivation, etc.)
The time needed to lower the indicators below the average depends on the most common type of injury in the company, although in general between 12 and 24 months is needed.
The action plan is structured into different phases to maximise its effectiveness and return: