Category: MSD

FEES Webinar Update

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FEES is pleased to share several upcoming and topical ergonomics and human factors webinars organised by international partners. These sessions highlight important developments in musculoskeletal disorder prevention, visual ergonomics, EU regulation, surgical ergonomics, and advanced human performance modelling.

IEA Webinars

WMSDs in High-Risk Occupations: Cross-National Insights from Manufacturing, Construction and Handicraft Industries in Asia

📅 20 November 2025
🔗 https://iea.cc/event/wmsds-in-high-risk-occupations-cross-national-insights-from-manufacturing-construction-and-handicraft-industries-in-asia/

A cross-national look at musculoskeletal disorder risks in high-risk occupations, examining exposure differences and effective prevention strategies across sectors.

Linking Practice and Science in Visual Ergonomics – Part II

📅 14 November 2025
🔗 https://iea.cc/event/linking-practice-and-science-in-visual-ergonomics-part-ii/

A focused session on advances in visual ergonomics and the integration of scientific evidence into practical workplace design.

ISSA Section Machine and System Safety – “Let’s talk about OSH – Have you ever…?”

📅 2 December 2025, 16:00–17:00 (CET)
🔗 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KR2sng43SuO3q8kDiKrfMA#/registration

This edition of the web talk focuses on the challenges that fatigue, monotony and distractions pose in everyday work. The discussion will explore how mental overload affects safety, why sustained attention is difficult to maintain, and what measures can help workers stay alert during demanding or repetitive tasks. The role of technology in preventing incidents related to reduced attention will also be addressed.

Speakers include Matthew Kwaw and Kay Schulte, with simultaneous interpretation available in English, French, German and Spanish.

HFES Webinars (USA)

HCTG, HFTH and SSE Joint Webinar: Connecting Human Factors/Ergonomics Theory with Applications in Health Care – Physical Ergonomics and Exoskeletons in Surgery

📅 21 November 2025 – 1:00 PM ET

This joint session (HCTG, HFTH, SSE) is part of an educational series bridging HF/E theory with practical applications in healthcare delivery.
Focus areas:

  • Foundational physical ergonomics theories and models
  • Ergonomics in surgical settings
  • Case studies on exoskeletons in surgery
  • Surgeon experience with exoskeleton use (Dr. Philip Haigh)

Speakers:
M. Susan Hallbeck (Mayo Clinic) · Jackie Cha (University of Wisconsin–Madison) · Philip Haigh (Kaiser Permanente)
Moderators: David Neyens · Brittany Anderson-Montoya

Human Performance Modeling Technical Group Webinar: Computational Models of Human Performance – An Algebraic Equation Approach

📅 15 January 2026 – 1:00 PM ET

A deep dive into algebraic equation–driven computational modelling of human performance, contrasting this approach with discrete-event cognitive simulation methods.
Topics include:

  • Attention models (SEEV, NSEEV, scan-clutter tradeoff)
  • Multiple resource theory
  • Task switching (STOM)
  • Models of human–automation interaction

Speaker:
Chris Wickens (Colorado State University)
Moderator: Ji-Eun Kim

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

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.

Vacancy Announcement: Ergonomist Position at the General Secretariat of the Council

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The General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) is seeking a qualified Ergonomist (Temporary Agent AD.6) to join the Safety Unit of the Safety and Security Directorate in Brussels. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of staff, delegates, and contractors by ensuring safe working conditions and ergonomic best practices at one of the EU’s key institutions.

About the Role

The selected candidate will work within the Safety Policy and Advice Sector, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to improve workplace ergonomics. Key responsibilities include:

  • Conducting individual preventive ergonomic assessments to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
  • Performing analyses and interventions in physical and cognitive ergonomics.
  • Providing expert advice on integrating ergonomics and human factors into IT application design.
  • Developing policies related to occupational safety, hygiene, and ergonomics.
  • Conducting surveys, drawing up statistics, and prioritizing risk-prevention measures.
  • Organizing specialized staff training and delivering presentations.
  • Contributing to the implementation of ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety guidelines.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a national of an EU Member State.
  • Have at least five years of full-time professional experience in ergonomics.
  • Hold a Master’s degree in a related field, with additional specialist training in ergonomics (60 ECTS credits).
  • Be a certified European Ergonomist (Eur.Erg.) or hold an equivalent professional registration.
  • Demonstrate fluency in English and French (C1 level minimum).
  • Show strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to improving workplace safety.

Why to Apply

  • Competitive monthly salary of €6,681.51 (before deductions).
  • A four-year contract with the possibility of renewal.
  • A dynamic, collaborative work environment committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on occupational safety policies at the EU level.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the EU CV Online platform by 21 February 2025, 12:00 CET. All relevant fields must be completed, and supporting documents (certificates, diplomas) may be required at any stage. Only online applications will be considered.

For further details on the role, eligibility criteria, and selection process, visit the EU CV Online portal or contact gsc-ta-selections@consilium.europa.eu, clearly indicating the reference CONS/1/2025/TA-AD/ORG.5.D.S1.

For the official announcement, go to https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/general-secretariat/jobs/vacancies/cons12025ta-adorg5ds1/.

This post was generated by AI and reviewed by a human.

International Conference on Safety and Innovation

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We are pleased to announce the International Conference on Safety and Innovation, organized by INAIL in collaboration with the ISSA Section Machine and System Safety. The event will be held from March 11th – 13th, 2025, at INAIL, Piazzale Giulio Pastore 6, Roma.

The conference will focus on the following key topics:

  • Innovative Technologies for Safety: Exploring cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance safety in the workplace. We invite papers discussing new solutions that improve safety during work activities or reduce risks through design innovations.
  • Safety of Innovative Products: Examining the safety aspects of new technologies integrated into products such as machinery, plants, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Submissions should address how these innovations comply with safety regulations and identify gaps in standardization.
  • Innovative Systems for Specialist Training: Evaluating new training systems, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality tools. We seek papers that analyze these technologies’ effectiveness compared to traditional training methods and discuss various national protocols and guidelines.
  • Workspace Safety: Addressing the design of workspaces to ensure safe working conditions. We welcome papers that present innovative design solutions and examine how workspace design influences worker behaviour and skills.
  • Safety of Living Environments and Human Settlements: Investigating methods for detecting and mitigating pollution and predictive control of structures and facilities to prevent widespread risks. Papers should focus on innovative techniques for monitoring and controlling human settlements and living environments.
  • Systems for Inclusive Safety: Focusing on creating inclusive safety systems that accommodate diverse needs, including gender differences, an ageing population, and disabilities. We encourage papers that explore technical solutions and design strategies for tools, equipment, and training that promote safety and inclusion in the workplace.

The first deadline for abstract submissions is August 30th, 2024. For further information on the topics and the Call for Papers, please visit INAIL’s event page.

New Ergonomic Resources from OHCOW

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We are pleased to inform you about a valuable resource from The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) that can significantly enhance your knowledge and practices in workplace ergonomics. OHCOW is a prominent organization dedicated to improving workplace health and safety in Ontario, Canada, and its focus on ergonomics provides critical insights and practical solutions to prevent occupational injuries and diseases.

Injury Prevention through Ergonomics

OHCOW’s Injury Prevention page is an excellent resource highlighting the importance of ergonomics in the workplace. Poor ergonomic practices are a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and OHCOW provides comprehensive information to help mitigate these risks. The page covers:

  • Ergonomic Risk Factors: Identification of repetitive motions, awkward postures, and excessive force as key contributors to MSDs.
  • Practical Solutions: Guidelines for proper workstation setup, tool and equipment adjustments, and safe manual handling techniques.
  • Ergonomic Assessments: Expert evaluations of workplace setups with tailored recommendations for improvement.
  • Educational Materials: Brochures, guides, and checklists that serve as useful references for ongoing ergonomic enhancements.

These resources are designed to help workers and employers create safer and more comfortable work environments, reduce the incidence of MSDs, and promote overall workplace health.

Ergonomics Podcasts

OHCOW also offers an engaging podcast series featuring several episodes specifically on ergonomics. These podcasts provide in-depth discussions and practical advice from experts in the field:

  1. Ergonomics in the Workplace
    This is an overview of workplace ergonomics, including the importance of ergonomic design, proper posture, and regular breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
  2. Office Ergonomics: Creating a Healthy Workspace
    Tips for setting up an ergonomic office environment, addressing the correct placement of computer monitors, keyboards, and chairs, and the impact of prolonged sitting.
  3. Manual Handling and Ergonomics
    There are strategies for minimizing injury risks in manual handling jobs, including proper lifting techniques, the use of assistive devices, and the importance of training.
  4. Ergonomic Solutions for Remote Work
    This article provides advice on setting up a home office to address the unique ergonomic challenges of remote work. Emphasis is placed on selecting ergonomic furniture and equipment and incorporating regular breaks and physical activity.

These podcasts are an excellent way to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in ergonomics, helping you create safer and more comfortable work environments.

The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) provides essential resources that can benefit all members of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies. Their comprehensive injury prevention programs and engaging podcasts offer valuable information and practical solutions to enhance workplace health and safety. We encourage you to explore these resources and integrate their insights into your practices.

For more information and to access these resources, please visit OHCOW’s website.

Healthy workplaces Lighten the Load

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2020 - 2022: Healthy Workplaces Lighten the LoadMillions of workers across Europe suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About three in every five workers in the European Union report MSD complaints, based on data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey. It makes it one of the most common work-related health problems and also cost employers huge amounts.

2020 - 2022: Healthy Workplaces Lighten the LoadMillions of workers across Europe suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About three in every five workers in the European Union report MSD complaints, based on data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey. It makes it one of the most common work-related health problems and also cost employers huge amounts.

Working actively with prevention helps improving workers’ lives, but it also benefits companies. MSDs are manageable and can be preventable, so costs related to MSDs can be reduced. If someone does develop an MSD, taking simple measures — such as providing professional support and adjusting the work environment — as soon as the symptoms appear significantly lowers the chance of long-term absence from work.

To preview EU-OSHA’s upcoming Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load campaign focused on raising awareness of and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise organises two orientation sessions to introduce the audience to the topic.

This webinar gives examples of Swedish statistics, future tools for risk assessment of hand intensive repetitive work and a presentation by the authers of a brand new report – Physical work environment for health, well-being and performance.

Presentations:

  • Physical work environment for health, well-being and performance – Cecilia Berlin o Maral Babapour
  • Risk assessment of hand intensive repetitive work – Mikael Forsman
  • Statistics – The people behind the figures – Minke Wersäll

Morning sesion in English

Afternoon session in Swedish

SLIC campaign 2020-2022 on wMSD prevention

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EU ComisssionThe Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee (SLIC) campaign 2020-2022 will focus on the topic: “Better enforcing requirements aiming to prevent exposures to risk factors causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)”. The campaign will contribute to awareness raising, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of information, practices and experiences.

EU ComisssionThe Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee (SLIC) campaign 2020-2022 will focus on the topic: “Better enforcing requirements aiming to prevent exposures to risk factors causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)”. The campaign will contribute to awareness raising, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of information, practices and experiences. The ultimate purpose of the campaign is to contribute to enhancing enforcement and activities by labour inspectors in the area of MSDs. The campaign will focus in particular on new occupational risks (e.g. related to digitisation and robotics) and risks experienced in specific sectors.

Concerning SLIC, a previous campaign (2008-2009) addressed MSDs and ergonomic risks related to the manual handling of loads. Moreover, at the 74th plenary session of SLIC in Sofia, the Committee expressed its wish to continue working on the topic. Therefore, and in full coherence with the next EU-OSHA campaign as well as the key priorities and objectives identified in the EU OSH Communication and EU OSH Strategic Framework, the 2020-2022 SLIC campaign will address the topic of prevention of work-related MSDs.

The expected results of this Call for Proposals are the improved possibilities for national labour inspectors to identify risks related to MSDs as well as improved possibilities for national labour inspectors to exercise their duties as regards the enforcement of relevant EU legislation. Moreover, it will result in a strengthened cooperation among labour inspectors and other actors across in the area of prevention of MSDs, as well as better and more equivalent enforcement of EU OSH legislation across the EU. Finally, the action will result in the identification of challenges and needs to improve enforcement of MSDs as well as proposals for ways on addressing them. 

For details go to https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=629&langId=en&callId=576&furtherCalls=yes

MSD risk assessment resources

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FFES LogoThe term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) covers any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back. There are extensive resources available covering both prevention and the management of msd’s in the workplace.

FFES LogoThe term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) covers any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back. There are extensive resources available covering both prevention and the management of msd’s in the workplace. Given the legal requirements associated with manual handling and the operation of machinery or display screen equipment, information is also available from european and national safety authorities on these topics.

See national safety authority guidances:


  • HSE
  • Swedish
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German

TU information pages

Material on the federated ergonomics society websites:

EU Reference works:

If you have suggestions to enrich this page, want to join the project, or want to see here your ergonomic assessment tool, please send a mail to info@ergonomics-fees.eu.

Repetitive hand or arm movements are required in half of European workplaces

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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) published its overview report of the second European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER-2), for which almost 50,000 establishments from 36 European countries were interviewed in 2014. The main topics covered are the management of occupational safety and health (OSH) in general, the management of psychosocial risks in particular and the participation of workers in OSH. 

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) published its overview report of the second European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER-2), for which almost 50,000 establishments from 36 European countries were interviewed in 2014. The main topics covered are the management of occupational safety and health (OSH) in general, the management of psychosocial risks in particular and the participation of workers in OSH. 

The levels of psychosocial risks in European workplaces are high, with 77 % of establishments reporting at least one psychosocial risk factor in the workplace. The most common is having to deal with difficult customers, patients, pupils, etc. (reported by 58 % of establishments), which is fairly closely followed by time pressures (reported by 43 %). In addition, ESENER-2 shows that 41 % of establishments in the EU-28 state that they indeed do not have enough information on how to assess psychosocial risks.
Furthermore, among all EU-28 establishments with 20 or more workers, 33 % report having in place an action plan to prevent work-related stress. This is most frequently reported by establishments in the United Kingdom (57 %) as well as in Romania, Denmark, Sweden and Italy (around 50 %). In contrast, less than 10 % of establishments in the Czech Republic and Estonia state that they have such an action plan in place.

Christa Sedlatschek highlighted ESENER-2’s findings on the importance of worker participation in managing OSH: ‘The second enterprise survey has confirmed the findings of the first: worker participation is vital in implementing safety and health measures at work — 85 % of establishments with formal employee representation carry out risk assessments, but this worryingly drops to only 64 % of establishments without such representation. It is also particularly important for workers to be involved in psychosocial risk management, as the very nature of these risks makes them difficult to talk about, making collaboration from all parties even more essential.’

The most commonly reported reason for addressing OSH in general is to fulfil legal obligations (reported by 85 % of establishments in the EU-28). Legislation is a key driver to address OSH at work, even though for some enterprises (around 40% in the EU) legal obligations are regarded to be a major difficulty when addressing health and safety. However, it is worth pointing out that there are significant country differences suggesting a very diverse perception on the complexity of legal obligations depending on the national context.

Links: