Work shouldn’t hurt.

More than half of workers suffer from physical pain, especially in the back, neck, or shoulders. But it is not inevitable: solutions exist to work better… and without getting hurt.

Physical pain at work, such as pain in the back, shoulders, neck, or lower limbs, is widespread and generates significant costs related to absenteeism and medical care.

What are the most common physical disorders?

1. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Musculoskeletal disorders, often called MSDs, affect muscles, tendons, joints, or nerves and typically manifest as pain or loss of mobility.
These pains mainly occur in body parts heavily used at work such as the back, shoulders, wrists and hands, or neck.

2. Visual fatigue related to screens

With the widespread use of computers, visual fatigue has become a common disorder. It appears after several hours spent in front of a screen and can cause sensations of burning or dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, headaches, or visual discomfort.
Although it usually does not cause lasting eye disease, it can greatly reduce comfort and concentration at work.

3. Lower back pain

Lower back pain, often called lumbago, affects the lower back. It frequently occurs in workers who remain seated for long periods, adopt poor posture, or handle heavy loads. Prolonged sitting posture can put significant pressure on the spine and promote the onset of back pain.

4. Muscle strains or injuries

In some physically demanding jobs (construction, handling, logistics, healthcare…), workers may experience muscle tensions, contractures, or injuries related to physical effort. These issues generally arise when loads are too heavy, when movements are incorrectly performed, or when effort is repeated too often.

Prevention measures

a) Improve workstation ergonomics

Ergonomics aims to adapt the environment, tools, and equipment to the worker’s characteristics to limit physical constraints. This can include an adjustable chair and a suitable desk, a screen placed at the right height, tools or machines designed to reduce physical effort.

b) Organize work differently

Alternating tasks, avoiding excessively repetitive movements, and scheduling regular breaks help reduce muscle fatigue and physical strain.

c) Train and raise awareness among workers

Communication is the first line of prevention. Workers must know the risks related to their activity and learn (possibly through targeted training) the correct ways to lift loads, use tools, or adopt proper posture.

d) Use assistive equipment

In certain physical jobs, specific equipment can help reduce effort, such as mechanical aids for carrying loads or ergonomic devices. These tools allow for reducing pressure on muscles and joints.

e) Implement a comprehensive prevention policy

Prevention must be part of a global occupational health policy. Companies should analyze risks present in workstations and implement actions to reduce or eliminate them.

Finally, prevention can also involve physical activity. Some companies provide a gym or contribute to the cost of a membership at a center near the workplace. A well-maintained and trained body better adapts to the physical demands of work. Physical activity does not replace ergonomics or work organization but complements them within a comprehensive prevention policy.

And elsewhere in the world…

Prevention can sometimes take original and different forms. Here are 7 ideas from around the world:

1. Collective stretching breaks

In some factories in Japan or Scandinavia, the day starts with 5 to 10 minutes of collective stretching. Everyone stops, sometimes with music, and a supervisor guides simple exercises for the back, shoulders, and wrists.
Goal: reduce muscle tension and prepare the body before physical tasks.

2. Sensors that monitor posture

Some companies are now testing smart sensors or cameras that analyze workers’ movements. The system detects, for example, a too-curved back, poor posture, or risky repetitive motion.
The goal is to alert the worker in real time to correct their position and prevent injuries.

3. Exoskeletons like in the movies

In certain sectors (logistics, automotive, construction), companies use exoskeletons: lightweight frames worn on the back or arms that help carry loads. These devices relieve the spine, reduce muscle effort, and lower the risk of lower back pain.

4. “Active” desks

Some companies install sit-stand adjustable desks, treadmills under desks, or meeting rooms designed to be used standing.
The idea is simple: the human body is not made to sit for 8 hours a day. Modern ergonomics means adapting work to the body’s capabilities to reduce injuries and fatigue.

5. Walking meetings

Some organizations encourage walking meetings instead of sitting around a table. Participants talk while walking inside the building or outside. Goals: reduce sitting time, promote blood circulation, and stimulate creativity.

6. Bicycles at work

In some large company campuses, employees use bicycles to get around between buildings. This promotes cycling over car use.

7. Nap rooms

Some companies have “nap rooms” where workers can take a short nap when very tired.
The goal is obviously to reduce fatigue, but also improve concentration and limit physical tension related to stress.

Benefits of prevention

Implementing measures to prevent physical disorders at work has many advantages for both workers and companies:

Better health for workers

Prevention primarily helps reduce pain and injuries related to work. Improving ergonomics and adapting workstations lowers muscle fatigue and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Reduced absenteeism

When working conditions are better adapted, workers are less often sick or injured. Companies with ergonomic programs generally observe fewer sick leaves and long absences.

Prevention can increase productivity

A well-designed work environment allows employees to work under better conditions. This improves concentration, reduces fatigue, and can increase efficiency and productivity.

Prevention improves workplace atmosphere and motivation

Workers feel more protected and valued, which strengthens their commitment and job satisfaction.

Preventing physical disorders at work is therefore not only a regulatory obligation but also a way to build a more sustainable work environment where performance does not come at the expense of health.