EU-OSHA Document Helps Facilitate Conversations about MSDs at Work

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, EU-OSHA, has published a resource intended to facilitate workplace discussions about musculoskeletal disorders. The document includes scenarios or conversation starters that have been designed for workers who perform tasks that may cause MSDs, and is intended to support prompt, effective communication between workers and managers regarding musculoskeletal health problems. The resource can be used in discussion-style workshops or in training sessions. According to EU-OSHA, the scenarios are intended to highlight some of the challenges faced by workers and the importance of company procedures related to the prevention of MSDs. The scenarios described in the document can be tailored to reflect organizations’ specific needs, policies, and procedures.

“Conversation Starters for Workplace Discussions About Musculoskeletal Disorders” (PDF) includes scenarios related to the retail environment, hand-arm vibration, small family businesses, neck and shoulder pain from office work, and speaking with an employer about a diagnosis of arthritis.

More information and related publications are available on EU-OSHA’s website.