Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a very serious occupational safety and health problem in industrialized countries, it affects not only the health of workers resulting in injury and disability, but also causes the cost in work absenteeism, medical expense, productivity loss to industry, and increases social cost. In order to prevent WMSD, scholars generally agreed that the five risk factors of WMSD –awkward posture, over-exertion, high repetition, vibration, and oppression of organization should be eliminated or reduced with ergonomics method, and through promotion of the organizations to implement in corporation and workplace. This thesis introduced the MSDS prevention systems of the U.S., Canada, Finland, Germany and Taiwan, and provided information to help strengthening the prevention system of Taiwan. In terms of strategy, all the prevention systems of these countries are basically formed by three organizations, such as government for law making and enforcement, research institutions provide prevention directives and technical support, and promotion organization for promotion and assistance by the civil society, institutions, insurance companies, hospitals, and clinics. The specific practices include: implementation of the labor inspectorate to enforce decrees, establishing standards and promulgating guidelines, creating training courses to promotion ergonomic improvements, providing counseling to help business execution. The result suggests Taiwan that the primary should set up Advisory Committee, and make MSDS Prevention Act, and strengthen cooperation with national insurance agencies, civil associations, groups to implement in the enterprises and workplaces.