This systematic review points to the potential of preventing SRDs by improving the psychosocial work environment. However, more prospective studies are needed on the remaining factors, exposure assessment and the relative contributions of single factors, in order to enable consistent assessment of the work-relatedness of SRDs by occupational physicians.

A European consensus criteria document for diagnosing Work-Related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRUEMSDs) was developed with the main purpose being prevention. The project was guided by a selection of European experts on the field of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work factors and based on a systematic literature search. The criteria were discussed in a consensus workshop attended by participants of 14 European countries.