Risk factor
Noise
( section under construction) (EN)
Chemical substances
( section under construction) (EN)
Musculoskeletal disorders
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of European workers in all employment sectors.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are impairments of bodily structures such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and the localised blood circulation system, that are caused or aggravated primarily by work and by the effects of the immediate environment in which work is carried out.
Most work-related MSDs are cumulative disorders, resulting from repeated exposure to high or low intensity loads over a long period of time. However, MSDs can also be acute traumas, such as fractures, that occur during an accident. These disorders mainly affect the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs, but can also affect the lower limbs. Some MSDs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, are specific because of their well-defined signs and symptoms. Others are nonspecific because only pain or discomfort exists without evidence of a clear specific disorder.
The price of MSDs to workers, employers and governments is huge. Not only do MSDs cause personal suffering and loss of income, but they also cost businesses and national economies. For the employee, they cause personal suffering and loss of income; for the employer, they reduce business efficiency; and for government, they increase social security costs.
MSDs can be effectively prevented by assessing work tasks, putting in place preventive measures and checking that these measures stay effective. MSDs should be tackled with an integrated management approach that looks at not just the prevention of new disorders, but also the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already have MSDs.
Asbestos
Asbestos and various asbestos-containing products were considered for decades as perfect materials by the construction industry, mainly due to their excellent properties and their low cost. Therefore, they were widely used in many applications in industrial and domestic premises, factories, public buildings, schools, hospitals, ships etc.
Epidemiological studies however, carried out some decades ago, showed that breathing in air containing asbestos microscopic released fibres can lead to serious asbestos related diseases, many years -usually many decades- after the first exposure.
In our days, after a period of extreme reactions –even panic while listening to the word “asbestos”- it is now time to proceed to the period of asbestos -and various asbestos-containing products- effective management.
From these webpages (EL) you can be informed about the following aspects concerning asbestos:
1. General Information
1.1 What is asbestos?
1.2 Where might you find asbestos?
1.3 Asbestos and health impacts
1.4 Who is at risk?
1.5 Asbestos management
2. Good practice examples
3. Research
4. Publications
5. Legislation
5.1 National Legislation
5.2 Community Legislation
6. Information campaign material
7. Useful links
