title: Economic impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on work in Europe.
abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of work disability, sickness absence from work, 'presenteeism' and loss of productivity across all the European Union (EU) member states. It is estimated that the total cost of lost productivity attributable to MSDs among people of working age in the EU could be as high as 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). This paper examines the available evidence on the economic burden of MSDs on work across Europe and highlights areas of policy, clinical and employment practice which might improve work outcomes for individuals and families and reduce the economic and social costs of MSDs.
authors.affiliation: The Work Foundation, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK. Electronic address: sbevan@theworkfoundation.com.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bevan
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000191:economics*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics*
keywords: Early intervention; Employment; European Union; Musculoskeletal; Productivity; Sickness absence; Work disability