Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: why are they still so prevalent

The aim of this exploratory review is to examine the continuing high levels of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the working population and to examine the evidence in relation to prevention. The review has been prepared as part of a larger project, ‘Review of research, policy and practice on prevention of work-related MSDs’. The project’s objectives are: § to improve knowledge of new and emerging risks and trends in relation to factors that contribute to work-related MSDs and to identify the related challenges; § to identify gaps in current strategies for tackling work-related MSDs at both policy and workplace levels; § to investigate the effectiveness and quality of workplace interventions and risk assessment approaches; and § to identify new approaches for more effective prevention of MSDs. The reported rates of MSDs across the Member States of the EU (EU-28)1 increased from 54.2 % in 2007 to 60.1 % in 2013 (according to the results of the EU Labour Force Survey carried out in those years). Data from the European Working Conditions Survey do not show a significant reduction in the incidence of musculoskeletal pain in the lower limbs or upper limbs or of back pain between 2010 and 2015. It appears that, although there are legislative requirements to ensure that workplace hazards that might cause MSDs are controlled, there is limited evidence that this is happening. Methods To examine the topic of prevention of MSDs, an exploratory literature review was undertaken. This involved initial searching to identify hypotheses before conducting focused searching of the literature to explore research findings to test these hypotheses. The research questions to be addressed in this exploratory review were as follows: § Why is there a continuing high prevalence of work-related MSDs? § What are the changes in the world of work that potentially contribute to the high prevalence? § What is the impact of demographic change? § What is the impact of individual risk factors? § What are the gaps in current prevention and risk assessment approaches? § Do they also consider psychosocial risks, gender differences and/or age? Scoping searches were carried out and followed by focused searches for each of the hypotheses identified. Research papers were procured and data extracted from each of them. Results § Hypotheses generated Twelve hypotheses were identified within the body of research including: § The impact of digitalisation and information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled technologies may expose individuals to increased MSD risks. § New forms of employment, including the gig and platform economies, have the potential to reduce workers’ level of occupational safety and health (OSH) protection.