Occupational musculoskeletal disorders — such as work-related low back pain, upper limb disorders, and knee osteoarthritis — represent one of the largest burdens of occupational disease in the Netherlands.
Despite their prevalence, musculoskeletal disorders are frequently under-recognized and underreported. A key barrier is insufficient assessment and documentation of physical workload exposures (e.g., lifting, repetitive movements, awkward postures), often due to limited collaboration between occupational physicians and other core experts such as ergonomists and occupational hygienists.
This applied research project develops and pilots a digital prevention care record designed to structurally improve multidisciplinary collaboration in occupational health care. The system integrates prompts for early involvement of core experts, standardized exposure documentation based on reporting guidelines, and a direct API linkage to the Dutch Center for Occupational Diseases reporting system.
The intervention will be developed and pilot-tested within occupational health services in the construction and agricultural sectors — sectors with high physical workload and elevated MSD risk. A mixed-methods evaluation will assess feasibility, implementability, and quality improvements, including increased identification and reporting of work-related musculoskeletal exposures and musculoskeletal disorders. The project ultimately aims to strengthen early detection, improve preventive workplace interventions, and structurally enhance the prevention of occupational musculoskeletal disorders nationwide.