A new European MSDs proposal

There is no specific UK legislation to deal with the problem of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs or RSI); although general health and safety legislation applies (see Chapter 1). There are, however, regulations originating from European directives on display screen equipment (DSE) (see above) and manual handling (see Chapter 8).

In 2009, there was a proposal for a new Directive addressing all significant risk factors for work-related MSDs and repealing the previous two Directives. However, progress on this Directive was delayed and the HSE recently reported that it now appears that the European Commission is actively considering producing a Council Recommendation rather than a new Directive. This would have no binding effect on Member States, although there would be an expectation that Member States would take action to apply its principles and content. The HSE expected the Commission to consult in Spring 2013 with the aim of the Council adopting a final Recommendation in November 2013. However, there had been no further announcement on progress from the HSE as this booklet went to press.