Abstract:

To prevent WMSDs among the working population in member states, the European Union (EU) conducted special surveys from various perspectives and implemented ergonomic prevention measures. In accordance with the principle of random sampling, participants were selected. Surveys were conducted among occupational populations in different industries according to unified requirements and covered aspects, such as prevalence of WMSDs, causative factors, industry distribution characteristics and various targeted ergonomic prevention measures. The results showed that prevalence of WMSDs varied between 40%-79% in EU-28. Among the common physical risk factors, there were repetitive hand or arm movements, keyboard operations repetitive movements, working in tiring or painful positions, etc. There were many organizational and social psychological risk factors, such as work-related stress, the pace of work, working at high speed, etc. The ergonomics preventive measures included using equipment to help with lifting or moving, providing training on how to lift and move heavy loads, and provision of ergonomic equipment, etc. The findings show that prevalence of WMSDs is higher. There are many influencing factors. The more WMSDs ergonomics preventive measures are taken, the better the preventive effect.

Key words: european union (EU), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), ergonomics preventive measures, physical risk factors, organizational and social psychological risk factors