The WMWO Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a lunch and learn with Dr. Daniel Steffins of the Spinal Health Center in West Monroe as the guest speaker. Dr. Steffins presented “THE POSTURE-PRODUCTIVITY LINK!” and provided attendees with a
host of interesting current absenteeism statistics and how posture effects work
productivity.
According to statistics provided by Dr. Steffin, approximately 31 million work days were last year lost due to problems such as low back and neck pain as well as headaches. This is a
cause for concern considering that the most common reason given for taking a
day off sick in 2013 was the common cold, and this led to only 27.4 million
days off work.
U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 650,000 work-related musculoskeletal
disorders (WRMSDs), resulting in costs to employers of over $20 billion .
These costs include Worker's Compensation and medical expenses, the latter of
which are increasing 2.5 times faster than benefit costs.
Musculoskeletal
disorders account for 34% of all lost workdays, and account for $1 of every $3
spent for workers’ compensation, resulting in a total direct cost of $50
billion annually.
Worker's
Compensation claims per injury equal $29,000 - $32,000 per year. Medical bills for the average shoulder injury
(excluding surgery) are $20,000 per year.
Indirect costs are 3 to 5 times higher, reaching approximately $150
billion per year. Cost of hiring
replacement staff is between $130,000-166,000 per year.
Poor ergonomic practices or work stations can play a significant role in the development of many preventable musculoskeletal disorders including neck and
back pain, shoulder and arm pain, headaches, or occupational overuse syndrome
(previously known as RSI). Many of these injuries are avoidable by implementing
correct ergonomics within the workplace.
Sustained
sitting places increases pressure through the intervertebral discs in your
spine. A poorly adjusted chair will
change the posture of your spine resulting in sore lower back muscles, and if
your upper back posture in impacted you may sit with your head poking forward
to see the monitor. The average head
weighs between 9 to 12 lbs and sitting in a forward head-on-neck posture for
extended periods is very fatiguing to your muscles, contributing to headaches.
The
National Headaches Foundation noted that half of 400,000 respondents of a 2008
survey stated they miss 1-3 work days per month due to headaches, and headaches
cost companies nearly $17 billion annually due to absenteeism, lost
productivity and medical expenses.
A recent
article in the American Journal of Health Promotions, stated that for every $1
spent on a corporate wellness program, a return of $2.13 to $10.10 can be
expected through lower medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved
productivity, and other factors.
Dr. Steffins and his
team at Spinal Health Center are able to provide basic services including onsite workstation ergonomic
assessments, employee lunch and learn workshops focusing on topics appropriate
for your company, and/or onsite 10-minute “stress break” chair massages for
employees with zero out-of-pocket expense for your company. Please give them a
call today, at 318-322-2250, to schedule a complimentary consultation. They
can quickly customize a solution for your company!
