MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AND WORK ABSENTEEISM – A STUDY IN A CENTRAL PORTUGUESE HOSPITAL

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries have many similarities with the musculoskeletal injuries that primary healthcare physicians encounter in their clinical practice. They frequently lead to work absenteeism and decreased productivity, with a significant social and economic impact. However, there is little available information regarding the duration of sick leave associated with distinct musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed at characterizing the musculoskeletal injuries suffered by employees of Hospital de São João, in Portugal, and determining the median number of days of work absence per injury. Methods: A retrospective characterization of 1621 work accidents notified between 2011 and 2014 was performed. Injuries were classified according to ICD-10 based on each employee’s clinical records. Data was provided regarding the median number of days of sick leave associated to each type of injury. Results: 824 musculoskeletal injuries were registered, representing around 50% of work accidents, resulting in 22.159 days of work absence. Women (81.7%) and employees under the age of 50 (71.8%) were more affected. Approximately 70% of musculoskeletal injuries required sick leave. “Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at wrist and hand level” was the diagnosis associated with the largest median number of days of sick leave (20.5 days). Discussion: Musculoskeletal injuries represent an important percentage of work accidents and have a considerable impact on work productivity. This study helps increase awareness regarding the median duration of sick leave according to the type of musculoskeletal injury. It also underlines the importance of the preventive education of employees, which mitigates the organizational and societal burden of musculoskeletal injuries.