Work-related musculoskeletal disorder surveillance using the Washington state workers’ compensation system: Recent declines and patterns by industry, 1999-2013

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common and place large economic and social burdens on workers and their communities. We describe recent WMSD trends and patterns of WMSD incidence among the Washington worker population by industry.

Methods

We used Washington State's workers’ compensation compensable claims from 1999 to 2013 to describe incidence and cost of WMSD claims by body part and diagnosis, and to identify high-risk industries.

Results

WMSD claim rates declined by an estimated annual 5.4% (95% CI: 5.0–5.9%) in Washington State from 1999 to 2013, but WMSDs continue to account for over 40% of all compensable claims. High risk industries identified were Construction; Transportation and Warehousing; Health Care and Social Assistance; and Manufacturing.

Conclusions

As documented in other North American contexts, this study describes an important decline in the incidence of WMSDs. The Washington State workers’ compensation system provides a rich data source for the surveillance of WMSDs.

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