Similarities between work related musculoskeletal disorders and slips, trips and falls

Most occupational risks manifest themselves through movements performed at work, for example musculoskeletal disorders, slips, trips and falls. Research focusing on such risks often differentiates diseases from accidents. All these risks prove to be diffuse, widespread, emergent and devoid of an external harmful hazard, when analysed through their common vector, i.e. through the movements manifesting them. These characteristics have a strong impact on risk perception and on approaches necessary to ensure sustainable prevention. A participative search for local solutions to preventing these risks, integrating shared risk representation and several analysis levels, would seem helpful. A balance between defended and resilience-based conceptions of health and safety should be established. Research should also be extended to enhance in-depth understanding of controls impacting worker movements when performing a task, while safeguarding health and safety. Practitioner Summary: Progress in the field of musculoskeletal disorders would contribute to preventing occupational accidents with movement disturbances. This paper highlights the significance of both establishing a balance between health and safety-defended conception and system resilience enhancement, and better understanding the individual controls involved in performing a task, while safeguarding health and safety.