The impact of workplace screening on the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders and workers' compensation claims

Work-related musculoskeletal pain, commonly referred to more specifically a s musculoskeletal disorders or cumulative trauma disorders, has continued t o occur despite efforts by employers, employees, health care providers, and the government to eradicate it. The National Institute for Occupational Sa fety and Health has encouraged employees to establish ergonomic prevention programs; however, many employers are concerned that screening, education, and focused attention on workplace pain will cause an increase in the numbe r of OSHA 200 eve;nts and the incidence of workers' compensation claims. Th is prospective cohort study demonstrated that there was no increase in the number of OSHA 200 events and no increase in the incidence of workers' comp ensation claims after completion of an individual risk screening program th at included education and employee awareness about work-related musculoskel etal pain. Incidence of cumulative trauma disorders has been most effective ly reduced by use of individual risk-screening programs. Therefore, employe rs should be encouraged to develop and implement prevention programs that i nclude individual risk screening.