Category: Recent news

New EU-OSHA report on musculoskeletal risks in the health and social care sector

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most prevalent occupational health issue in the European health and social care sector, affecting millions of workers and contributing to absenteeism and reduced productivity. A new EU-OSHA report provides a comprehensive review of the main risk factors, including:

  • high workload and poor work organisation,
  • manual handling of patients,
  • repetitive movements and awkward postures,
  • inadequate ergonomic design and equipment,
  • lack of tailored training,
  • age-related challenges, and
  • psychosocial risks such as violence and harassment.

The report highlights that prevention requires ergonomic workplace design, participatory approaches, safe patient-handling programmes, targeted training, and organisational support. Special attention is needed for older, female, and migrant workers, who are disproportionately affected.

The publication also offers policy pointers to strengthen prevention, training, and support measures at workplace and EU level.

🔗 Read the summary here: EU-OSHA publication

FEES council Naples 2025

FEES Council Meeting – Naples, 7 October 2025

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The FEES Council gathered in Naples on 7 October 2025 for a productive and forward-looking meeting, bringing together representatives from across Europe to discuss current projects, future initiatives, and the evolving role of ergonomics in the age of Industry 5.0.

A special thanks goes to Francesco Draicchio for the excellent organization of the meeting and the warm hospitality in Naples. His efforts ensured that the council could work effectively and exchange ideas in an inspiring environment.

European Conference and Project Updates

The meeting opened with confirmation of attendance and adoption of the draft agenda. Updates were shared on upcoming European conferences and projects, including a new initiative supported by Tihomir. The group reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting and discussed preparations for future events.

Ergonomics in Standardization Processes

A central theme was the role of ergonomics in European standardization. Participants underlined the importance of involving more ergonomists in revising machinery standards, building on the achievements of the new Machinery Regulation. A community of practice will be established to coordinate efforts and ensure ergonomics remains visible in technical standards, bridging regulation and workplace application.

FEES – EU-OSHA Collaboration

The council reaffirmed FEES’ role as an official partner in EU-OSHA campaigns, including past work on Digitalization at Work and the upcoming campaign on psychosocial risks. Members agreed on the importance of engaging national focal points and strengthening cooperation with European safety organizations.

Website and Financial Updates

Website updates were discussed, with societies encouraged to send in information for publication. Options for closer integration with national society websites were explored. The financial report showed a healthy situation, with recovery since the COVID period, new budget forecasting methods, and a reserve fund in place.

Education, Training, and Professional Development

The council addressed challenges in ergonomics education and certification, particularly in Italy where programs remain fragmented. Comparisons with other countries highlighted the need for structured training pathways and stronger professional recognition. The importance of promoting ergonomics in universities, industry, and public life was stressed.

International Cooperation and Initiatives

Updates were presented from several national societies, including Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Hungary. Activities ranged from postgraduate ergonomics courses and certification protocols to webinars, congress planning, and initiatives for school ergonomics. The council also exchanged views on Industry 5.0, emerging European projects, and the development of presentation materials to showcase the value of ergonomists and human factors specialists.

Looking Ahead

The council also discussed the upcoming IEA conference, future collaborations, and the importance of maintaining unity within the European ergonomics community. Plans for the following day’s seminar were finalized, with a focus on French organizations as a case study for professional cooperation models.

The Naples meeting demonstrated once again the strength of the FEES network, the value of collaboration, and the shared commitment to advancing ergonomics and human factors across Europe.

Irish Human Factors and Ergonomics Society – Monthly Webinar Series

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The Irish Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (IHFES) runs a lively monthly webinar series exploring a wide range of ergonomics and human factors topics. These free sessions bring together researchers, practitioners, and students to discuss both foundational and emerging issues in the field.

Recent topics have included:

  • Beyond Compliance: Workplace Ergonomics in Ireland
  • The Role of Human Factors in Intellectual Disability
  • 3D Printing and User-Centered Design in Healthcare
  • AI-Enhanced Applications in Safety-Critical Contexts
  • Human Factors in Atomic Energy Regulation
  • International Collaboration in Patient Safety Investigations

The series has also featured in-depth sessions on aviation safety, healthcare, digitalization, brain-computer interfaces, and many other areas that reflect the diversity and relevance of ergonomics today.

👉 Explore past webinars and subscribe to the IHFES YouTube channel for upcoming events: IHFES Monthly Webinars

Smart Digital Systems for All: Elevating Ergonomics & Human Factors in Inclusive OSH

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As one of the official partners of EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2023-2025, the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) applauds the latest EU-OSHA insight: “Smart digital systems for all: Supporting inclusion and diversity in workplace safety and health.”

Smart digital systems are not just about new technology — they are about inclusive design, usability, and human factors. According to EU-OSHA, these systems can be transformational in making workplaces safer, healthier, and more accessible, especially for older workers, migrant workers, pregnant workers, and others whose needs have often been overlooked.

From a human factors and ergonomics (E/HF) standpoint, these are the key contributions:

  • User-centred design: Smart wearables, sensors, and adaptive systems must respond to human variability – body size, mobility, cognitive load, language, and cultural background.
  • Reducing ergonomic risk: These systems can monitor posture, fatigue, and environmental stressors and help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Enhancing accessibility and diversity: When inclusivity is built in—considering older workers, pregnant staff, those with reduced mobility or sensory differences—the digital workplace becomes equitable.

But smart systems are effective only if implemented with respect to some human factors principles:

  • Worker involvement & acceptance: Involving workers and their representatives in design, deployment, and ongoing feedback builds trust, improves usability, and shapes systems that fit actual work practices.
  • Transparency and data ethics: Clear communication on data collection, storage, privacy, and how the system will be used ensures psychological safety and reduces resistance.
  • Complementarity to traditional OSH and ergonomics measures: These digital tools should augment—not replace—ergonomic workstation design, training, and organisational safety culture.

FEES encourages ergonomists, occupational health professionals, policy-makers, employers, and researchers to draw on EU-OSHA’s resources to guide inclusive implementations.

Together, we can ensure digital transformation in OSH reflects human factors and ergonomics values: promoting safety, well-being, inclusion, and dignity for every worker.

👉 Read more on EU-OSHA: Smart Digital Systems for All: Supporting inclusion and diversity in workplace safety and health. Healthy Workplaces

National Ergonomics Societies – Autumn Activities in Turkey and Poland

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The autumn of 2025 will be particularly rich in events organised by national ergonomics societies, offering opportunities for researchers, professionals, and students to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration.

31st National Ergonomics Congress – Turkey

The Turkish Ergonomics Society, together with Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Cappadocia University, Uşak University, and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, is pleased to invite participants to the 31st National Ergonomics Congress. The congress will take place on 9–11 October 2025 at the NEVÜ Cultural and Congress Center in the Cappadocia region. The congress provides a national platform to discuss the latest research, applications, and innovations in ergonomics across diverse fields.
👉 More information

XXXII International Seminar of Ergonomics – Poland

For over 30 years, the International Seminar of Ergonomics has maintained a unique and intimate character, with fewer than 100 participants fostering direct exchange of experiences. The upcoming 32nd edition will take place in Poznań, hosted at the Faculty of Management Engineering of the Poznan University of Technology.

This year’s leading theme is “Ergonomics: Evolution of Challenges & Solutions”, with a broad spectrum of topics including:

  • Evolution of ergonomic methods
  • New challenges in ergonomics and Industry 4.0
  • Ergonomic design, product and process ergonomics
  • Ergonomics in occupational risk assessment and safety management
  • Medical sciences and cognitive ergonomics
  • Education, training, and new applications of ergonomics

👉 More information

💡 These events illustrate how national ergonomics societies continue to play a crucial role in developing the discipline, addressing new challenges, and fostering international cooperation.

Learning Opportunities in Ergonomics

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Upcoming Webinars

FEES is committed to supporting lifelong learning in ergonomics by sharing high-quality international opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and students. This autumn brings a rich selection of free webinars from leading organisations in occupational safety, health, and ergonomics.

📌 From Lab to Line: Practical OSH Strategies for Digital Manufacturing

The project group “Digital Manufacturing” of the ISSA Section Machine and System Safety has launched a new international webinar series focusing on the intersections of Occupational Safety and Health, Wellbeing, AI, Digitalisation, and Industrial Security.
Experts from around the world will present strategies and innovations shaping the future of safe and sustainable workplaces.

Upcoming sessions:

  • Sept. 3, 2025 – Balancing Tech and Wellbeing: Rethinking Work in the Digital Age – Dr. Keyao (Eden) Li, Edith Cowan University, Australia
  • Sept. 8, 2025 – Securing the Route: How Digital Technologies Safeguard Personnel in Cash Transport – Fabian Klein, DGUV, Germany
  • Sept. 25, 2025 – Testbed Smart Factory as a Platform for Industrial Safety R&D – Radim Hercik & Tomáš Jahn, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
  • Oct. 6, 2025 – Common Security Advisory Framework (CSAF) for Developers – Matthias Weitz, DGUV, Germany

👉 Details and registration (free of charge)

📌 OHCOW October Webinar Series 2025

The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) are hosting their annual October Webinar Series, addressing key ergonomics and workplace health topics. These sessions provide practical knowledge for improving occupational health and preventing work-related disorders.

📌 IEA Webinar Series

The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) regularly offers global webinars that showcase cutting-edge research and applications across all areas of ergonomics and human factors. These events connect experts, students, and practitioners worldwide, supporting the advancement of ergonomics education and practice.

Featured Webinar: Informal Work in Latin America – Ergonomics Perspectives and Experiences from Brazil

As part of the IEA’s Informal Work Webinar Series, the next session is scheduled for 29 October 2025 at 16:00 UTC (13:00 Brazil, 09:00 US EST). Organised by the IEA Technical Committee on Informal Work in collaboration with the ICOH Working Group on “Demographic Changes, Inequalities and the Future of Decent Work”, and in partnership with the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Carlos, this 90-minute event will provide an overview of informal work practices in Brazil.

The session will particularly focus on how technological and organisational innovations impact working conditions and the broader dynamics of precariousness, while also exploring how informality reshapes the societal role of work. The webinar will be delivered in Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles; live Q&A will be available in both languages with simultaneous translation.

👉 More information and registration: Informal Work in Latin America – Ergonomics Perspectives and Experiences from Brazil

💡 We warmly encourage you to explore these opportunities, join the discussions, and contribute to shaping safer, healthier, and more ergonomic workplaces.

Ergonomics and Human Factors at the Centre of the Digital Transformation

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As an official partner of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) proudly supports the 2023–2025 Healthy Workplaces Campaign: Safe and healthy work in the digital age. This initiative highlights the growing role of smart digital systems in improving occupational safety and health (OSH) across Europe.

From an ergonomics and human factors perspective, smart digital technologies—such as wearable devices, sensor networks, AI-driven analytics, and virtual reality training platforms—have significant potential to enhance workplace safety, health, and well-being. These tools enable early identification of ergonomic risks, provide real-time data on physical strain and environmental hazards, and support timely interventions. They are especially valuable in high-risk industries and for vulnerable worker groups, including older employees and those with specific health conditions.

However, digital systems must be implemented according to user-centred design principles to be practical and ethically sound. FEES stresses the importance of involving workers and their representatives in designing, deploying, and monitoring these technologies. Transparent communication, responsible data management, and training are essential to building trust and acceptance. When workers understand and influence digital tools, safety, satisfaction, and engagement improve significantly.

At the same time, we must remain vigilant about the challenges posed by digitalisation. Over-reliance on automation, excessive monitoring, lack of usability, and insufficient training can lead to new psychosocial risks such as stress, cognitive overload, and mental fatigue. Smart systems should always complement, not replace, traditional OSH strategies like ergonomic workplace design, inclusive organisational policies, and direct human support.

As FEES, we advocate for integrating digital innovation with ergonomic principles to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces. We call on our member societies, researchers, practitioners, and partners to actively contribute to this campaign by sharing knowledge, good practices, and critical reflections on the human-centred use of smart technologies in OSH.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Workplace Safety and Health

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The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplace safety and health, presenting challenges and opportunities in an increasingly digital world. Witnessing the shared commitment to exploring these evolving issues is encouraging, particularly as AI-driven worker management systems become more prevalent across various industries.

Understanding AI-Based Worker Management Systems

AI-based worker management systems are digital tools that collect and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as PCs, mobile devices, and workplace sensors. These systems can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Automated Decision-Making Systems – These systems operate independently, making decisions without human intervention. While they enhance efficiency, their implementation requires careful consideration to ensure fairness and compliance with labour regulations.
  2. Semi-Automated Systems – In these systems, AI-generated recommendations are reviewed by human managers before final decisions are made. This approach allows for a balance between automation and human oversight.

These technologies are used in various applications, including:

  • Labor Forecasting – AI predicts workforce needs based on customer demand and weather conditions, optimizing shift schedules.
  • Performance Evaluation – AI assesses worker efficiency by tracking task completion times and other productivity metrics.
  • HR Management Support – AI assists in recruitment, training, and workforce allocation to enhance operational efficiency.

Adoption and Impact in the EU

The facts from EU-OSHA show the adoption of AI-driven worker management systems across the European Union. Key findings indicate:

  • While adoption is still relatively low, there is a growing trend, particularly in large companies managing extensive workforces.
  • These systems are predominantly used in industries involving manual and repetitive tasks, such as warehousing, professional cleaning, healthcare, banking, and call centres.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the deployment of AI-based worker management technologies, with a sharp increase observed in 2020.

Worker Perspectives and Health Implications

While AI-driven systems enhance efficiency, they also raise concerns related to:

  • Job Security – Automation may lead to workforce reductions in specific sectors.
  • Workplace Stress – Continuous monitoring and performance tracking can increase pressure on employees.
  • Data Privacy – The extensive use of personal and professional data necessitates stringent privacy regulations.

Moving Forward

As AI continues integrating into workplace management, it is crucial to balance technological advancement and worker well-being. Policymakers, employers, and researchers must collaborate to ensure that AI-driven systems enhance productivity while safeguarding employee rights and health. Ongoing research and discussions, such as this campaign, play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in workplace safety and health.

For more information on the campaign, visit the official EU OSHA page: Healthy Workplaces Campaign.

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) is a proud partner of the “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age 2023-2025” EU OSHA campaign.

SELF Congress and Activities: 2024 and Beyond

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2025 SELF Congress: Save the Date

The next SELF Congress will take place from July 2 to July 4, 2025, at Paris Nanterre University.

Theme: Ergonomics, Community(ies), and Society: Between Legacies and Perspectives

In a rapidly transforming societal context—shaped by technological, social, economic, political, and environmental changes—ergonomics continues to evolve. The 2025 congress will explore how these transformations influence the principles, concepts, methods, and practices of ergonomics, while addressing the growing diversity within the field.

The congress will focus on two main axes:

  1. Interplay Between Activity Ergonomics and Society
    This axis will examine how ergonomics principles have evolved alongside societal changes, their reciprocal influence, and how they shape current practices. Discussions will also address emerging challenges and new perspectives for the discipline.
  2. Ergonomics Community(ies): Structure and Dynamics
    Topics will include the evolution of ergonomics education, the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how specialization impacts the profession’s structure and networks.

Additional contributions are welcome on the ten transversal themes of SELF congresses.

Submit Your Contribution
Proposals can be submitted online. Instructions and key dates are available on the Author Guidelines page.

Stay Informed
To receive updates, email self2025@cborg.fr.

Future Congresses
  • 2026: Avignon
  • 2027: Nantes

2024: Bridging the Gap

Although there is no global SELF Congress in 2024, several initiatives have been organized in collaboration with local associations and universities. These events, held in Northern France, Corsica, Switzerland, and Quebec, focus on topics such as:

  • Ergonomics and SMEs
  • New technologies
  • Ergonomics interventions

These initiatives aim to attract new members, raise awareness of SELF’s activities, and foster collaboration within the ergonomics community.

SELF Activities and Projects

  1. Information Outreach
    A new website, ergonomie-self.org, and a regular newsletter, SELFActu (selfactu@ergonomie-self.org), have been launched to keep members informed and engaged.
  2. Commissions
    SELF’s work is driven by several commissions open to members:
    • History Commission: Collecting and publishing interviews with senior ergonomists (approximately 100 interviews published so far).
    • Young Practitioners Commission: Facilitating exchanges on good practices among young professionals.
    • Occupational Risks Commission: Organizing workshops, conferences, and reflections on workplace risks.
    • Research Commission (New): Enhancing and coordinating ergonomics research.
  3. Collaboration with Journals
    SELF supports two journals:
    • Activités (in French)
    • Laboreal (in Portuguese)
  4. Public Advocacy
    SELF actively promotes the ergonomics profession and participates in public debates. Recent efforts include advocating for the future of OSH research at the INRS (National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases).

Mark your calendars for the 2025 SELF Congress and stay connected with SELF’s ongoing activities and initiatives!

New Belgian regulations relating to ergonomics at work and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at work

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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).