[Occupational diseases in Europe: diseases of the locomotor system]

The present regulations concerning the group of occupational illnesses for which compensation is payable in a number of European countries are presented with special reference to illnesses of the locomotor system and against the background of the harmonization process within the European community. With respect to this group of illnesses at least, the lists of occupational illnesses currently in use in the German-speaking countries could be a valuable basis for a "harmonized" system. It must admittedly be borne in mind that agreement will need to be reached on the extent to which the listed forms of "spinal degeneration attributable to mechanical overuse over a period of years" that are recognized in the German Democratic Republic are adequate as a basis for laws concerning occupational illnesses now or in the future.