MSD and Repetitive Strain Injury are major cause of absence from work

A report from the CIPD this month has revealed some interesting figures on Absence Management. The figures are based on replies from 819 UK-based HR professionals in organisations employing a total of more than 2.3 million employees.

The report revealed that ...

68% of respondents in public sector cited musculoskeletal injuries (such as neck strains and repetitive strain injury/but excluding back pain) as the leading cause of short term absence for non manual workers

The average cost of absence has increased to 666 pounds per employee per year, from the previous year's figure of 659 pounds per employee per year

More than eight out of ten respondents report that absence is a significant or very significant cost to their organisation ...

but ...

Only 40% of respondent organisations monitor the cost of absence!

Besides minor illness, one of the major causes of short-term absence for non-manual workers are musculoskeletal injuries including repetitive strain injury and back pain

Musculoskeletal injuries, stress and mental ill-health are rated most highly as causes of short-term absence for both manual and non-manual workers by public sector and non-profit organisations

For help and advice on reducing the risk of Musculoskeletal injuries, Repetitive Strain Injury and back and neck pain using ergonomic keyboards and mice in your organisation call us on 023 8029 4500 or email info@keytools.co.uk