Workforce diversity refers to the heterogeneous composition of the workforce in terms of a number of socio-demographic and physical characteristics of workers including age, gender, national background, sexual orientation, and disability.
European legislation has been introduced to take into account such diversity, enforce equality and improve safety and health at work for all. All workers need to be protected equally from the risks that cause work-related MSDs, regardless of their specific characteristics or circumstances, and employers are required to identify risk factors for all workers.
However, some groups of workers are still exposed to particular risks more than the rest of workers. Groups of workers particularly exposed to risks, either physical or psychosocial, related to MSDs include women, migrant workers, LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex) workers with age, level of education and disability being cross-cutting issues.
The diversity of the workforce and the specific needs of workers must be considered when assessing MSD-related risks and designing prevention measures. Check out our campaign resources to find out more.
