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Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) still play a major role in Germany today both in human and economic terms they account for around a quarter of all days of sick leave. Their great importance for the occupational sector is also reflected in the high proportion of such illnesses in the German occupational disease system. Of the 82 items of occupational diseases currently eligible for recognition, a total of 14 are musculoskeletal disorders (spine (4), upper extremities (5), lower extremities (5)). These disorders include, for example, disc-related diseases of the cervical and lumbar spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, rotator cuff lesions or osteoarthritis in the hand, hip and knee joints.

Risk factors for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders include a variety of mechanical exposures, e.g. working in awkward postures (extreme trunk flexion, working with elevated arms, kneeling and squatting), manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive upper limb activities, force exertion and exposure to vibrations (hand-arm or whole-body vibrations).

In 2023, for example, the responsible statutory accident insurance institutions received a total of around 16,000 reports of suspected occupational diseases involving musculoskeletal disorders. These institutions are responsible for examining these suspected cases with regard to the medical, occupational and insurance law requirements and – if the suspected occupational disease is confirmed - compensating the persons concerned. In addition to financial compensation, the focus is also on individual preventive measures to prevent a recurrence or worsening of the disease.

To prevent the development of occupational diseases and other work-related health hazards, primary prevention in the workplace is also part of the statutory mandate of the accident insurance institutions. Important steps in this regard are the development and application of suitable methods of risk assessment and occupational health screening.

Conclusion: By using adequate instruments of prevention, targeted measures for workplace design and rehabilitation of the insured persons can be introduced. To ensure this, there is a need for up-to-date, validated and easy-to-use instruments in occupational health care.