Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their causes in multiple sclerosis (MS) are not well understood, but they do have an effect on the quality of life of people with MS, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). The impact of MS extends to patients’ ability to work, with reduced employability being the most important social consequence.
This paper extends knowledge on MSDs in MS and their effect on the working activities of those affected. The work conditions and environment of people with MS often need to be adapted to their health status, as factors related to work, support and symptoms affect the ability to get and keep a job.
The paper highlights positive aspects of a multidisciplinary approach to intervention and the role of occupational therapy. It elaborates on empowerment through training, especially for companies’ occupational safety and health professionals, and means of identifying and introducing reasonable accommodations that can enable people with disabilities to find and retain employment.
The paper was developed as part of the collaboration agreement signed by the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) and EU-OSHA related to the provision of research services in the area of MSD prevention. It presents the findings of research developed by the INAIL Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene in partnership with the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM).
It is available here.
EU-OSHA January 2022