Evidence-based exposure criteria for work-related musculoskeletal disorders as a tool to assess physical job demands

Despite worldwide attention, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a substantial concern at work. To support ergonomists to assess the work-related risk factors for MSDs, several instruments are available. Unfortunately, many of these instruments are not supported by evidence-based exposure criteria for particular MSDs. For effective prevention of MSDs, it is important to know to what extent work-related risk factors are present in the work situation. The Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases (NCOD) develops evidence-based criteria documents for the assessment of work-related MSDs. The exposure criteria of these documents can be used on a group level to support ergonomists in their assessment of the physical job demands that are associated with work-related MSDs. At the moment the NCOD has exposure criteria for the assessment of 22 work-related MSDs, for instance on the work-relatedness of upper extremity disorders, non-specific low back pain or patellar tendinopathy. The use of these exposure criteria enables ergonomist to better assess the work-related risks of MSDs as a starting point for effective prevention.