Musculoskeletal health and risk factors in the health and social care sector – a review of existing information

Specific objectives pursued by this study

 To contribute to providing a comprehensive overview of the state of play when it comes to occupational safety and health (OSH) in the HeSCare sector by providing and developing new knowledge or information on very prevalent MSK risk factors as well as health outcomes related to MSK health (acute or chronic problems, back, upper limb – lower limb disorders).

 To increase visibility and awareness on the existing and new and emerging MSK risk factors in the sector. Special attention is given to the identification and further description of the risks that are specific (or unique) to the sector.

 To contribute to the prevention of OSH-related issues and the promotion of good MSK health at work among the HeSCare workers by:

       improving knowledge;

       sharing good practice examples, approaches, methods, schemes, interventions and tools addressing MSDs prevention; and

       focusing not only on OSH prevention but also on the promotion of good MSK health at workplace level.

 To provide policymakers, social partners, OSH practitioners at workplaces and researchers with a better understanding of and comprehensive, cross-national insight into the state of the art of the HeSCare sector when it comes to OSH in general and more especially to MSK health in the sector.

 To contribute to identifying gaps in terms of research when it comes to MSK risk factors and MSK health in the HeSCare sector.

 To provide data and information to support the European-wide Healthy Workplaces Campaign (HWC) ‘Together for Mental Health at Work’ (HWC 2026-2028).