Long-term work disability claims in the US for musculoskeletal issues have climbed 40 per cent overall and 62 per cent among men since 2010 – workers most affected are those with roles that require heavy lifting, repetitive motion or prolonged sitting, according to a new report.

Insurance company Unum tracked and published data associated with worker disability claims and found that, after cancer, the most common causes of long-term disability are injury, back disorders, cardiovascular issues and musculoskeletal conditions.

According to the World Health Organization, one in two adult Americans live with a musculoskeletal condition – the same number as those with cardiovascular or chronic respiratory diseases combined. The cost of treatment and lost wages related to these conditions is estimated at $213 billion per year.

Unum director of health and productivity, Marcy Ledford, said there was a mix of factors that can cause musculoskeletal problems in workers.

“We often see these issues among workers who have jobs that require heavy lifting, repetitive motion, or prolonged sitting. Aging can also be a factor, as well as lower activity levels, obesity, or co-morbid conditions.”

According to Ledford, there are some best practices for employers to help prevent or reduce the frequency or duration of these kinds of claims among their employees.

• Underpin the importance of workplace ergonomics in corporate health and wellness programs.
• Provide incentives or reimbursements for employees who use weight loss programs or regularly go to the gym.
• Implement a formal transitional return-to-work strategy that allows a gradual transition to full duty for workers returning from disability.
• Use flexible work arrangements, part-time work, flexible schedules or job-sharing tactics as aids to help workers return from disability.
• Explore disability policy options that may financially assist with or reimburse for worksite modifications made for an employee with these conditions.

The Social Security Administration estimates that one in four of today’s 20-year-old Americans will become disabled before reaching age 67.

What is HSE Software and How Does myosh Work?

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myosh is fast and fully configurable HSE Software that is easy to use and adapt for any Industries.

Over 50 configurable modules integrate to collect HSEQ data.

Modules are used to manage hazards, investigate incidents, manage risk, conduct audits and much more.

Our mobile app is used for fast data capture in the field, online or offline. Features include QR code scanning, digital signatures, Geo Locations and Geo Fencing, pdf export and more. You can configure mobile forms, visibility and functionality in your Administration panel

The myosh Dashboard provides powerful organisational insight by transforming your hseq data into intelligent visual charts, marps and tables. Up to date data is derived from modules and displayed in an interactive visual format, configured specifically for you and your team.

myosh is built on the Viking PaaS, a super configurable platform with powerful capabilities. Teams can quickly and easily configure the platform to their own very unique end to end process requirements.

We encourage you to treat your software technology like a team member. The myosh academy is designed to empower your team with the skills to ensure they use their software tools productively. Everyone learns differently, so the academy holds a variety of resources including videos, guided learning and verified online learning courses for each myosh module.

Your investment in myosh helps you and your team manage risk, compliance and improve workplace health and safety. Today, successful organisations view safety as an asset, and health and safety spending as an investment. This is because a safe workplace adds measurable business value, and can drive tangible improvements in performance, profit, and culture.

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The Facts and The Figures

Organisations are constantly reminded that health and safety failure is expensive. And whilst this is certainly true, there are benefits to health and safety success that go beyond cost-avoidance. Today, successful organisations view safety as an asset, and health and safety spending as an investment.

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Your investment in myosh helps you and your team manage risk, compliance and improve workplace health and safety.

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