FfW Bulgarian report (English language) - Fit for Work Europe

Contents
1. Executive summary 5
2. Introduction 10
2.1 Why is workforce health in Bulgaria important? 10
2.2 MSDs: The European context 13
2.3 Objectives of the study 14
2.4 A note on definition 15
2.5 Structure of the report 17
3. Work and MSDs in Bulgaria 18
3.1 An unclear picture 18
3.2 The impact of MSDs on ability to work 20
3.3 Risk factors for MSDs 28
3.4 The wider economic and social impact of MSDs 35
3.5 Summary 41
4. Interventions 42
4.1 The case for early intervention 42
4.2 The social security regime for the work disabled 45
4.3 Condition-specific interventions 49
4.4 The biopsychosocial model and work 52
4.5 The role of employers 55
4.6 Summary 61
5. Conclusions and recommendations 63
5.1 Recommendations for employers 63
5.2 Recommendations for employees 64
5.3 Recommendations for GPs and specialist consultants 65
5.4 Recommendations for government 66
References 68
Appendix 1: Interviews and consultation with experts 78
Appendix 2: Sample ‘Fit’ Note 79
Appendix 3: Benchmarking grid 80
Appendix 4: Fit for Work Europe 90
Fit For Work? 3