Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a huge problem in our society. In addition to being the number one cost for workers’ compensation claims, it is estimated that 50-80% of all lost time incidents are the result of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are broadly defined as pain (e.g. back, neck, shoulder, knee) caused or aggravated by work tasks or the work environment.
The economic problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders goes far beyond medical bills. For example, if work-related musculoskeletal disorders lead to disability, you may either need to pay others overtime or hire new workers, both of which are very costly. And if your injured workers can work, they are significantly less productive compared to their healthy counterparts.
These factors (lack of productivity, paying overtime, and hiring new employees) can start to accumulate, and the costs can skyrocket, which is why it is imperative to address these problems proactively.
The aim, therefore, should be the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. As an industry, we have made significant strides in implementing safety equipment (e.g. protective goggles and harnesses) that prevent catastrophic workplace injuries.
What we haven’t been as successful at is the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders that are more insidious. We know that 60% of back and neck pain occurs for no apparent reason, which makes prevention much more difficult. Our best attempts, whether through modifying equipment, making workstations more ergonomic, or teaching proper lifting technique, haven’t stopped the bleeding. Despite these changes, the rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders continue to rise.
Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t continue to improve equipment, make work environments more ergonomic, or teach proper technique; however, it is clear that we need a different approach.
For this, I propose the Movement Antidote TM.
The word antidote can be defined as ‘A medicine taken or given to counteract a form of poisoning.’ As it pertains to the Movement Antidote TM, the poison is the excessive mechanical stress (movements, positions, postures, etc.) encountered in the workplace, and the medicine is a specific movement designed to counteract this stress. Research has shown that purposeful movement in directions that offset excessive mechanical stress can significantly reduce the chance of developing an episode of pain.
By observing the physical demands of various jobs, we can prescribe a specific Movement Antidote TM to counteract these directions of excessive mechanical stress, thereby lessening the likelihood of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
If you are a business owner affected by the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Movement Antidote TM talk to learn how it can help mitigate the economic impact on your company and enhance the health of your workforce.