Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: What Are the Costs and Benefits?

Table of Contents

1. What are the costs for businesses?

2. Is risk prevention cost-effective?

3. Economic benefits—but that's not all

What are the costs for businesses?

Preventing workplace hazards comes at a certain cost to businesses, but according to several studies on the subject, it is far more costly not to take preventive measures. One must consider direct costs, such as health insurance premiums and wage compensation, as well as indirect costs, such as absenteeism and lost productivity—not to mention intangible costs like increased internal tensions and employee burnout. For example, the average cost of a musculoskeletal disorder is €21,512.

Is risk prevention cost-effective?

Companies are often reluctant to invest in prevention, often because they fear they won’t see a return on their investment. Yet prevention pays off! Its return on investment is estimated at €2.20 for every euro invested. Furthermore, one-quarter of preventive measures cost less than €5,000. These are compelling reasons to take the plunge and invest in employee health!

Economic benefits—but that's not all

Several studies have demonstrated the economic benefits of prevention, such as a reduction in the number of work absences, occupational illnesses, and musculoskeletal disorders, but these are not the only notable returns on investment. Healthy employees are more motivated, more engaged, and more productive. A company’s brand image and corporate culture also improve as a result of preventive measures.

Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: What Are the Costs and Benefits?

What are the costs for businesses?

Is risk prevention cost-effective?

Economic benefits—but that's not all

FURTHER READING