Abstract
Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as low back pain, tendinitis, hand arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome, account for a major component of the cost of work-related illness and injury in the United States. The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) musculoskeletal team identified intervention studies of engineering and work organizational improvements as a high priority in reducing the burden of WMSDs. In Washington State, direct workers compensation costs are more than $410 million per year. Nursing homes have high claims incidence of back and shoulder WMSDs, related primarily to resident handling activities. A cooperative industrywide “zerolift” initiative has resulted in significant reductions in back and shoulder WMSD claims and costs in the Washington State nursing home industry. Rates have decreased 19% in those nursing homes receiving workers compensation premium discounts for purchasing equipment compared to 3% reduction for those nursing homes without premium discounts. Payback on investment in “zerolift” programs appears to take 6–12 months.
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