Impact of musculo-skeletal injuries in the workplace

The economic costs of musculo-skeletal injuries in the workplace are a major concern for companies. A French study finds that preventive action can save money. To be effective, however, such action needs to take into account many wide-ranging issues in the working environment.

Many companies are faced with the growing incidence of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD), and consequently are taking large-scale preventive measures to deal with this problem. The complex nature of this type of disease (with its numerous causes) makes it difficult to tackle. Companies may find it necessary to evaluate their preventive approach and assess the real costs of this disorder. The French national working conditions agency, ANACT, commissioned a study from the Institute of Corporate and Organisational Socioeconomics (ISEOR) to examine the real costs of MSD in order to raise awareness among corporate decision-makers.

The study is based on a hypothetical model of hidden costs and is based on the experiences of three companies, representing over 500 employees: two in the motor industry, and one in electronics. The companies shared some common work characteristics: a large degree of repetitive movement, short production cycles, manual assembly and production line, all factors which can lead to MSD. All the companies had implemented a policy aimed at preventing injury. The cost of this preventive action is analysed, as well as the cost of illness caused by such disorders, including their impact on working conditions.

The costs of MSD

Through a quantitative or financial approach, the following factors were identified:

• Re-invoicing of social welfare costs of work-related accidents/occupational illnesses;

• Medical costs for the employee suffering from MSD;

• Cost of absenteeism caused by MSD, including having to hire replacement staff;

• Administrative costs;

• Productivity gaps linked to MSD, due to reduced speed cycles in production.

The overall hidden costs are in the region of 10 to 30 times more than the apparent direct cost. The total cost of this disorder was estimated to be between €6,800 and €11,200 per person affected each year. These high costs mount up due to:

• frequent employee absenteeism;

• reduced productivity levels, often in the region of 7%.

The assessment of preventive action expenditure took into account workstation ergonomics, communication and training on musculo-skeletal disorder, and setting up work groups. The total cost of preventive action was estimated to be between €1,400 and €7,100 per person affected.

The study concluded that, the more the company invests in terms of human and financial resources, the greater the overall savings in the long term.

Assessing preventive action

In assessing the preventive action taken by the companies in the study, the research finds that it is not always given a high priority. Often, there is a lack of communication from management on the implementation of preventive measures, and little prevention action is in fact taken.

In addition, tensions can arise between medical personnel and operational staff over safety requirements. Changes to workstation arrangements and other restrictions can be unpopular as they create tension among operators and with managerial staff.

This study demonstrates the difficulties in trying to establish the real costs of musculo-skeletal disorders. It reveals the diverse issues surrounding the disorder and the attempts at preventive action, touching on all aspects of the working environment. Preventive action needs to be both efficient and sensitive to these concerns.