Revitalising Musculoskeletal Care: The New Era of Smart Money
Savings in Health Costs
Reduced Hospitalization: A study by the National Safety Council found that falls result in over 2.8 million emergency department visits and 800,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S. The average cost of a hospitalization can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
Lowered Medical Costs: Early detection and intervention for musculoskeletal issues can prevent the progression of conditions, reducing the need for costly surgeries and medications, not to mention other burden of care costs like transport and home help.
Decreased Workers' Compensation Claims: Preventing work-related injuries through proactive measures can significantly lower costs associated with workers' compensation claims.
Increased Productivity
Reduced Absenteeism: Employees who experience fewer injuries and illnesses are more likely to have better attendance records, leading to increased productivity and greater job satisfaction.
Improved Job Performance: Employees with good physical health tend to be more focused, energetic, and productive. Creating a culture of wellbeing is creating a culture of healthy productivity.
Lower Turnover Rates: A healthy workforce is often associated with higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, reducing recruitment and training costs. (Ironically, even the providers of good health - gyms and clinics - have high turnover rates. Job satisfaction in experts improves with feedback about their outcomes, and when mundane tasks like administration are minimised.)
Specific Examples
Fall Prevention: A study by Sweden’s emergency services reported that Sweden spends 23 billion kronor per year on falls. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA) found that for every $1 invested in fall prevention programs, there is a potential return of $7 to $16 in healthcare cost savings.
Back Pain Prevention: Implementing workplace ergonomics and fitness programs can reduce back pain incidence by up to 60%, leading to decreased absenteeism and healthcare costs.
Additional Considerations:
Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the ROI of preventive measures by comparing the costs of implementation to the projected savings in healthcare expenses and increased productivity.
Long-Term Perspective: The benefits of preventive care may not be immediately apparent but often yield significant returns over time. This is especially important when the workforce is aging and the MSK risk of injury increases with age.
Employee Engagement: Successful prevention programs rely on employee participation. Work-sponsored physical assessments and awareness campaigns are important for inclusion and motivation. Consider offering incentives or rewards to encourage engagement.
The bottom line:
By investing in injury and accident prevention, organizations can not only improve employee well-being but also achieve substantial financial gains.