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 per cent 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 £7 billion each year, rising to 240 billion euros across Europe.
Responding to the report, Brendon Barber, General Secretary for the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said it highlights what trade unions have been demanding for many years - access to early rehabilitation for those with muscle and back problems.
"In the UK, just 2% of workers have access to comprehensive occupational health services through their employer and most people have to rely on a referal from their GP", he said. "This can take many months, by which time the problem may be chronic".
Barber added that Britain needs a national occupational health service which identifies and treats these conditions at the earliest oppurtunity. "Workers with muscle and back conditions also need more help to return to work once they feel able to". He called for new and clear regulations, backed up by strong enforcement against those employers that are causing many of these injuries.
It estimates that this costs the UK economy £7 billion each year, rising to 240 billion euros across Europe.
Responding to the report, Brendon Barber, General Secretary for the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said it highlights what trade unions have been demanding for many years - access to early rehabilitation for those with muscle and back problems.
"In the UK, just 2% of workers have access to comprehensive occupational health services through their employer and most people have to rely on a referal from their GP", he said. "This can take many months, by which time the problem may be chronic".
Barber added that Britain needs a national occupational health service which identifies and treats these conditions at the earliest oppurtunity. "Workers with muscle and back conditions also need more help to return to work once they feel able to". He called for new and clear regulations, backed up by strong enforcement against those employers that are causing many of these injuries.
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