Workers Comp and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Did you know that musculoskeletal disorders account for the highest proportion of workers compensation claims in NSW at over 37%, or that the average time lost from work is 7 weeks, with businesses paying an average of almost $16,000 per claim?

Musculoskeletal Disorders are diverse conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues that may result in pain and loss of function. 

The causes can be varied, from wear and tear, trauma, repetitive or prolonged immoblisation, changes in posture, poor body mechanics and degenerative processes, to name just a few…

If you work in health care, manufacturing or construction, your workforce has the highest number of musculoskeletal injuries.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are still the leading concern when it comes to the frequency and cost of claims. Going back to our prior blog ‘Worker Comp and the Ageing Workforce’ you’ll recall that with the trend of later retirement, there is now more need to protect the health and productivity of your workforce. 

Whilst musculoskeletal injuries can result from a frank incident, they more often arise out of cumulative exposure over a period of time, giving rise to nature and conditions claims.

How Can You’re Business Reduce It’s Risk

There are a few things businesses should be doing to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries:

• Identification of risks
• Reviewing and updating policies and procedures
• Educating staff and providing adequate training
• Conducting regular ergonomic and risk assessments 
• Implementation of pre-employment and fitness for work assessments

But there are other considerations specifically aimed at reducing the risk of long-term workers comp claims with a focus on…

Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention

If your workforce is one that is at higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries, have you considered:

• Modification to how a task is performed
• Use of tools, equipment and resources that may reduce force and make the job safer and easier to complete
• Manual handling and refresher training
• Use of proper body mechanics via education with an exercise physiologist
• Stretches, warmups and regular breaks from sustained postures or repetitive movements incorporated into daily work routines
• Recognition of early signs of the inflammatory process to allow for early treatment intervention, and;
• Implementation of Early Intervention Programs to avoid minor aches & pains escalating into compensable injuries

Safety and prevention are an ongoing practice, and what you were doing yesterday is not working today if you see your claim statistics continuing to rise. 

If this is you, reach out to your insurer, occupational or allied health provider who can help put early intervention and preventative strategies in place to support your workforce, and your business.