ENORMOUS COST of RSI to EUROPE
By admin on Feb 14, 2008 in Featured, Uncategorized
The Cost of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders
Attempts to tackle upper-limb disorders in workers should focus on psychological factors such as work-stress as well as physical risk factors, according to new research.A major study conducted by the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive followed over 3,000 worker over a 15-month period to assess role of work-stress and other psychological factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders.
It concluded that there was a “tentative interaction effect” between physical and psychosocial workplace risk factors for disorders affecting the lower back, neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, hands and wrists.
The research report said: “Workers experiencing stress reactions may be more susceptible to developing musculoskeletal problems. These workers are likely to be at risk even when exposure to physical and psychosocial work risk factors has been reduced.
“Greater emphasis should be placed on reducing exposure in the workplace to both physical and psychosocial work risk factors.”
The report added: “Individual stress reactions should also be monitored as part of a mental wellness programme to monitor individuals who may be at risk.”
Work-related stress and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are currently the two most problematic occupational health issues across the European Union.
According to the HSE these disorders are the two leading causes of work absence and turnover. In 2002, 5.7 million working days were lost in the UK due to back injuries, 4.1 million work-related upper limb disorders and 13.4 million working days were lost due to stress-related disorders.
EU legislation?
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the European Commission could put forward EU legislation aimed at minimising musculoskeletal disorders, if European workers and employers’ organisations cannot strike a detailed deal over the problem.
The groups have been given six weeks to reply to a Commission paper, which asks whether they want EU-wide legislation, voluntary agreements or a combination of the two.
Brussels also wants advice on the scope of such legislation or guidelines and where to place the focus on preventive measures - for example ergonomics, work organisation or psychosocial aspects.
A Commission statement read: “Musculoskeletal disorders, which include back pain and repetitive strain injury, are the biggest health and safety problem facing European workers today.
“Studies show that they affect over 40 million workers in all sectors across the EU and account for 40 to 50% of all work-related ill-health”.
Also, according to the Commission the problem is “eroding competitiveness” and losing Europe 0.5 to 2% of Gross National Product every year.
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