Musculoskeletal injury is by far the biggest cause of absenteeism and related cost to UK Industry
Health and Safety figures show that an estimated 1.2 million people in Britain suffer work related musculoskeletal disorder. 60% of all work-related illnesses are the result of back, neck or limb problems. Back pain is by far the most common and accounts for 119 million lost days at work
Management of musculoskeletal injury is a key issue for every employer, from the implementation of relevant Health & Safety legislation, to managing related sickness absence (real or unjustified) and injury claims
7.8 million people live with chronic pain. 49% of those diagnosed with chronic pain have been forced to take time off from work. In 1998, back pain alone cost the economy an estimated £12 billion. (Source: British Pain Society pain Survey 2005 & Pain 2000)
Weekly, 3000 individuals are forced to give up work due to a prolonged illness, disability or injury. 25,000 are restricted to live on benefits every year through workplace injury. The financial and social implications are huge within society
The Government and Health and Safety Commission have stated their intention to reduce sickness absence by 30% by 2010
Trade Union Congress (TUC) are advising governing and professional bodied that employers should be legally bound to provide rehabilitation for employees.