Strategies to promote good physical health in education

How can schools contribute to the early and long-term prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? On 23 June 2022, experts from the fields of occupational safety and health, public health and education will explore opportunities for joint action. The online event is organised by the European Network Education and Training in Occupational Safety and Health (ENETOSH) in cooperation with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and supported by EU-OSHAs German Focal Point.

What is standard today for nutrition, tobacco, illegal drugs, violence and mental health does not yet apply to musculoskeletal disorders in childhood and adolescence. However, those who suffer from musculoskeletal pain in childhood or adolescence have an increased risk of having these problems in adulthood as well. Schools play an important role in preventing musculoskeletal disorders and promoting musculoskeletal health through physical education and other physical activities. However, a strategic approach is needed to systematically integrate physical activity into the school system to promote learning and health.

Well-known school-based approaches such as the 'good healthy school' concept promoted by ENETOSH and the health promoting school approach of the SHE network foundation are available, but how are schools and other educational institutions reached with MSE issues? And what is the contribution of a social-ecological sustainability concept, which also follows a holistic approach, to prevention?

The event will use critical questions to highlight differences and similarities between these different approaches and identify opportunities for cooperation.

The event is aimed at representatives of EU-OSHA Focal Points as well as staff from OSH organisations and public health institutions. Participation of representatives of the education sector is explicitly encouraged.

With this event, ENETOSH contributes to the priority area "MSDs and future generations" of the EU-OSHA campaign "Lighten the load" 2020-22.