Preventing musculoskeletal disorders at work was only partially regulated in Belgium before 25 May 2024, when a new regulation was enacted. The Royal Decree (RD) of 19 March 2024 amended Book VIII of the Code of Well-being at Work regarding ergonomics and preventing MSDs at work.
The large number of workers absent from (long-term) work due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) clearly shows that there is an urgent need to focus more on preventing these disorders and on improving workplace ergonomics in general. This comprehensive approach is immediately apparent in the new Title of Book VIII of the Code, which will subsequently be entitled ‘Ergonomics at Work and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders’.
Key Concepts Introduced by the Royal Decree
The Royal Decree first introduces four concepts defined in the Code:
- The ergonomist prevention consultant
- Ergonomics at work
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Musculoskeletal risks at work
General Principles Added to Book VIII
The Royal Decree then adds certain general principles relating to ergonomics at work and the prevention of MSDs to Book VIII of the Code, which are included in the new Title 1:
- The employer must consider ergonomics when designing and fitting new workstations and adapting existing ones.
- The employer must implement a policy of preventing MSDs or other health problems caused or aggravated by musculoskeletal risks at work through a global approach that takes into account the various risk factors, such as biomechanical risk factors, other risk factors linked to the workstation, and the results of risk analyses carried out in different areas of well-being that may impact musculoskeletal risks at work (e.g., vibrations).
- Several biomechanical risk factors should be considered in the risk analysis, such as the use of force, repetitive movements, duration and frequency of movements or tasks, working postures, gestures at work and contact force.
- Appropriate preventive measures must then be taken to deal as effectively as possible with these musculoskeletal risks in the workplace. This prevention policy must also be regularly evaluated and updated.
- The players with roles in this prevention policy are specified: the prevention advisor from the internal occupational health and safety service, the ergonomic prevention advisor and the prevention advisor/occupational physician. Finally, workers and the committee for prevention and protection at work must be informed and trained about musculoskeletal risks at work and the various preventive measures.
Tools and Information
Numerous information brochures, resources, and tools are available on the www.beswic.be website and via www.preventiondestms.be to inform and raise awareness among employers, workers, and prevention consultants about musculoskeletal risks and help them improve ergonomics in the workplace.
Webinar
On 27 May 2024, the Directorate-General for Human Resources at Work (DG HUT) of the Federal Public Service Employment organised a webinar on the new ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) legislation.
More information on this BeSWIC site: Relive the webinar on the new regulations on ergonomics and MSD prevention.
Read the full text of the Royal Decree on the Moniteur Belge website: Moniteur Belge (gov.be).