Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD) are the most significant occupational condition within the European Union affecting a broad spectrum of workers with consequential suffering and economic loss. 

Research by the Health and Safety Working Group of the Social Dialogue Committee for Telecommunications in 2003 revealed that over 60% of the 1.3 million people employed in the sector are display screen equipment (DSE) workers while approximately one quarter are service technicians; risk assessment of this latter group showed 85% to be at high or medium risk of developing MSD. It further showed that a range of activities are being undertaken to address these problems but there is no clear statement of good practice which would help to provide a common understanding of the risks and how they can be minimised.

The Social Partners therefore determined to conduct further and more detailed research in this area so that good practice relating to the prevention of MSD could be accurately defined and then widely promulgated. A project group was set up and, with generous support from the European Commission, the following activities were undertaken:

Literature Review of the Scientific Research
Survey of Company Working Practices
Formulation of Good Practice Guidelines
Creation of an MSD Web site
Presentation of Findings at an International Conference