Trade union activities related to the assessment and prevention of MSD are significant, widespread and differ widely between European countries. The TUTB felt it important to collect those trade unions case studies and make them available.

This brochure is intended to be easy to read, and at the same time, a source of meticulous general information, a useful guide to initiatives on MSD prevention at industry and company level. Its main aims are to popularise technical matters and deliver basic knowledge on different trade union approaches. Case histories from European and non-European countries on promoting occupational health are included. Data on workers' conditions, European legislation and basic ergonomic ways of acting in workplaces are summarised.

Finally, as a comprehensive reference on the more specific aspects of prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, bibliographic references, institutions, trade unions, and web sites addresses are also given.