Report finds cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders $5.57 billion

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), such as arthritis, affect a quarter of New Zealanders and are reducing the productivity of thousands of workers at huge cost to the health and welfare system, finds the Fit for Work report released today.

The report noted that MSDs comprise 25% of total annual health care costs and are the second largest cause of Sickness and Invalid benefit payments due to both direct and indirect effects of ill health.

The Fit for Work report reveals that the individual and economic burden of work-related ill health in New Zealand is set to expand unless coordinated and prompt action is taken.1

Sandra Kirby, CEO Arthritis New Zealand says the report is well timed, due to recent discussions about keeping people in work and encouraging those on benefits to return to the workforce.

“It is a holistic look into a significant national health issue with a wider reaching impact on society. Fit for Work illustrates a need to focus on early detection of MSDs such as arthritis and effective intervention to significantly improve outcomes both for the individual people involved and also for the society as a whole.  The best outcomes will have people with arthritis and other MSDs being able to stay in work or have the earliest possible return to work.”

Chris Polaczuk, Programme Manager for ACCs Musculoskeletal Injury prevention programme, says the organisation welcomes the Fit for Work report.

“MSDs in the workplace cost ACC over a $140 million annually. Every time the country makes steps towards preventing musculoskeletal conditions and getting people back into the workplace, money is saved that can be allocated to other initiatives” says Polaczuk.

The Fit for Work report, developed by The Work Foundation, a renowned global institute specialising in policy issues around work, calls for a collaborative approach from Government, clinicians and employers to support people with MSDs and help them return to work as soon as possible.  The report reveals that1:

• MSDs and the associated expenses are estimated to cost New Zealand more than $5.57 billion each year

• In 2010, 14.5% of sickness benefit claims and 11.7% of invalid benefit claims were for MSDs, making it the second largest category of conditions resulting in such claims. This means 17,940 people were receiving sickness or invalid benefits as a result of musculoskeletal conditions, the bulk of which will be arthritis

• In 2010, 15.2%, of New Zealanders aged 15 and over were living with at least one type of arthritis

• It is forecast that 16.9%, or more than 650,000, New Zealanders aged 15 and over will be living with at least one type of arthritis by 2020

• Currently, the odds of participating in the labour force are 31.5% lower for those with a chronic condition, such as most MSDs

• Workplace participation and productivity is crucial to New Zealand’s economy, particularly as the country rebuilds after the Canterbury earthquakes.

Rheumatologist Dr John Petrie says participating in the workplace is important to many of those suffering from MSDs.

“Retaining the normalcy of getting up each morning and going to work is good for overall wellbeing,” Petrie says. “With the right support from doctors and employers we can certainly do more to help workers, including the replacement of the traditional sick note with a ‘fit note’, assisting people back to work as early as possible, performing tasks according to their ability.”

Ms Kirby adds that chances are workplaces with more than six employees are likely to have at least one person with a diagnosis of arthritis. “The high percentage of people affected demonstrates the size of the challenge. Changes will need to be made on all levels to overcome an obstacle of this size.

“We all have a role to play — Government, healthcare providers and employers - in supporting workers and ensuring they are effectively equipped to manage their condition, perform their work duties and live well.  For people with arthritis there are also adjustments – we know people want to work – making it happen is the shared challenge,” finished Ms Kirby.

The Fit For Work Musculoskeletal Disorders and the New Zealand Labour Market report can be accessed at www.arthritis.org.nz. It includes more detailed calls to action for all stakeholders.

Reference
1. The Work Foundation.  Fit For Work Musculoskeletal Disorders and the New Zealand Labour Market.  2012