¹Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
²Arbo Unie, Occupational Health Service, Nieuwegein, Netherlands

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Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are still highly prevalent among workers and have adverse effects on workers, companies and society. Risk communication about causes, consequences and preventive measures could enhance the uptake of preventive actions. We aimed to develop and test company-specific risk communication of (intended) preventive actions.

Methods: Two Dutch companies characterized by manual material handling tasks participated. Early signs of WMSDs (prevalence of WMSDs and risk factors) were retrieved by questionnaires among workers (n=139). Data from interviews, focus groups with workers (n=39), managers (n=5) and occupational health professionals (n=5) were used to identify gaps in relevant knowledge risk factors, risk perceptions and beliefs. Risk communication was developed and evaluated on reach, usefulness and (intended) preventive actions.

Results: Low back pain was the most prevalent WMSD in both companies, with 60% and 78%. Lifting (64%–96%), trunk bending (83%–93%), arm elevation (89%–91%) and repetitive hand movements (81%–89%) were the most reported risk factors. Risk communication was delivered for 1–4 weeks by means of (online) posters at the worksites with the identified WMSDs, risk factors and appropriate preventive actions that each company offered. Respectively, 31 (89%) and 31 (53%) of the workers were at least once exposed to the risk communication. Usefulness of the risk communication was rated on average with an 5.6 (SD: 2.7; range 0–10) and 5.9 (SD:1.9; range 2–10), while 15 (42%) and 25 (43%) of the workers took preventive actions or were intended to do so.

Conclusion: Company-specific risk communication to prevent WMSDs can stimulate preventive actions but only if the company also provides access to technical and organisational measures, including access to (occupational) health care professionals.