Washington State Summary of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders by Industry

Abstract

An analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Washington State using workers' compensation claims and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data was conducted in order to identify high risk industries. All claims and BLS cases from 1992–1994 were searched using a specific MSD selection criteria and grouped by risk classification and standard industrial classification (SIC). Twenty-seven percent of all State Fund claims were classified as MSDs. The mean annual cost of MSDs was $166.8 million. Incidence rate claims data showed clerical offices ranked 286 out of 303 risk classes with a rate of 0.64 per 100 workers per year, over five times below the state mean incidence rate of 3.7. The only industry to appear in the top 10 by highest MSD count, incidence rate (including BLS data), and cost was nursing homes. Detailed MSD data by industry can be used by researchers to hypothesis test dose-response relationships and by practitioners to focus intervention efforts where they're most needed.

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