Warning on muscle, joint and back pain

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cwu.org/ltb-987/09-warning-o ... -pain.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

No. 987/09
Ref P20
Date:9 November 2009



Dear Colleagues
  

Warning on muscle, joint and back pain

Muscle and joint pain - musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) - account for almost half of all sick leave, both in the UK and across Europe, a study has found.

No less than 49% of all sickness absence is caused by MSDs, said the "Fit for Work Europe" Report by the "Work Foundation business consultancy group".


It estimates that this costs the UK economy £7bn each year, rising to 240bn euros ($349bn; £219bn) across Europe.

MSDs include back pain, arthritis and repetitive strain injuries.

The report says an estimated one million people in the UK alone suffer from MSDs that cause them to take time off work, with 9.5 million working days lost each year.


It warns that both these numbers are set to rise as a result of an ageing workforce, the growth in obesity and the general decline in physical activity.
The study calls for a renewed effort across Europe to tackle MSDs, led by an increase in early detection.

It says this would both reduce the burden on governments' health budgets and cut sick leave levels.

Stephen Bevan, managing director of the Work Foundation said "MSDs clearly have a serious, negative impact on the EU workforce, as they were responsible for millions of lost working days. As Europe now struggles to emerge from the global recession, one consideration policymakers should address is how labour productivity in businesses is being undermined by these often very painful conditions."

The Work Foundation is now launching a wider Fit for Work Europe campaign to press for more co-ordinated action to target MSDs by governments, healthcare professionals and patients.

Brendan Barber TUC General Secretary said "The report highlights what Trade Unions have been demanding for many years - access to early rehabilitation for those with muscle and back pain problems. In the UK just two percent of workers have access to comprehensive occupational health services through their employer and most people have to rely on a referral from their GP. This can take many months by which time the problem may be chronic.


The UK needs a national occupational health service which identifies and treats these conditions at the earliest opportunity. Workers with muscle and back conditions also need more help to return to work once they feel able to. Additionally, new and clear regulations are needed, backed up by strong HSE and LA enforcement against those employers that are causing many of these injuries."


Further advice and information:-

Coping with Work-related back problems:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/ ... reen.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Living with Arthritis:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/ ... _arthritis" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;




Yours Sincerely



Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[careful]

htc bad for your back since introduced look back problems have gone the roof look sick records they do`not lie alright for dutch postie`s their no hills