WELLNESS

Musculoskeletal Disorders Part I: Impacts Beyond Injury

Musculoskeletal injuries occur over time as a worker makes the same unchecked, poorly constructed pattern over and over again.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can have long-term, debilitating effects on worker health, wellness and resilience. Work-related MSDs affect two million workers annually and accounted for over 600,000 lost time injuries afflicting American workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that the direct costs of MSDs are $15-$20 billion annually, with total costs that may well be double that. Claims and lost work hours associated with these injuries can be calculated, but there are hidden costs as well. These costs include mental health challenges and a deterioration of trust between workers and their employer. When we take a deeper dive into the world of work-related MSDs, the statistics above barely begin to scratch the surface on the impact they make in our work environments.

MSDs are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition; and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions. They are often a result of actions that are repetitive, forceful and /or where postures and positions do not align with the capability of the musculoskeletal system.

These injuries occur over time as a worker makes the same unchecked, poorly constructed pattern over and over again. When pain becomes evident, over-thecounter painkillers often mask it and the poor pattern continues. Surgeries, prescription medications, and weeks to months of rehab can aid recovery, but still a worker may not regain 100% of their movement. The World Health Organization identified that there are 150 conditions or disorders that effect our musculoskeletal system limiting mobility, dexterity, and reducing a person’s ability to work and socially engage.

The psychological impacts of chronic pain are well studied and wreak havoc on those who suffer from MSDs. One aspect of pain is an increase in social isolation from loneliness. In return the effect of the loneliness is bi-directional on pain and triggers more of it. A worker experiencing the pain of an MSDs can often find themselves stuck in this cycle as they keep working or as they stop working in more debilitating cases. Anxiety and depression can follow chronic pain as well. A study published in Pain (July 2016) found that more than half of study participants with chronic pain also had depression. Chronic pain takes a heavy toll on one’s mental health and quality of life.

Further challenges arise when a worker attempts to report work-related MSDs to their employer. With no single event to pinpoint the cause of the injury, such as a gaping wound or broken bone, many of these injuries go unreported or go under reported due to fear of retaliation and claims denials.

And because injured employees often need surgeries and recovery time, there are periods where no income is coming into the employee’s home. At the same time, worker’s compensation claims are routinely denied.

The study above showed that 79% of employees diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome had their claims initially denied by the insurer, yet 96% of these claims were eventually deemed meritorious. The unemployed worker may bear the burden of lost income, added medical bills, no medical insurance, and no worker’s compensation during the time of coverage denial.

Musculoskeletal disorder statistics extend their “hard-to-claim” reputation beyond computer workers into industries like manufacturing and industrial facilities where fewer than 5% of employees report work-related MSDs. 26% of the workers feared job loss, status, or overtime and 25% assumed pain or discomfort were part of the job. Lastly, 10% of workers said that they feared disciplinary action if they reported their issue.

There is no doubt that past management practices of these work-related claims have an effect on workers timely reporting of them, their decision to treat, and their recovery. These practices and decisions can all lead to a potentially chilling effect on workforce retention and resilience.

Calculating the real cost of a workrelated MSDs goes beyond an insurance claim and medical bills. Energizing focus on poor movement patterns that can lead to a work-related MSDs, facilitating trust in reporting and compassionate claims management that can include mental health support thorough recovery can help endear workers in our hard-to-fill positions.

Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice. All medical advice should be sought from a medical professional.

EMILY REIBLEIN

Director-Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Crowley Logistics

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