Abstract
Overwork can predispose workers to develop illnesses. This study is a systematic review to describe the costs generated by musculoskeletal disorders. The search was performed in 4 electronic databases, applying the PRISMA Statement approach. Were retrieved records between 2015 and 2021 using 11 keywords combined by a Boolean operator. Articles with applied research on costs produced by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in different countries and activities were considered. Questionnaires proved to be reliable methods to evaluate the expenses. The risk of bias was assessed concerning the evaluated sample and limited surveys. The selection of the articles allowed to realise that the highest cost is due to lost production, compared to sickness absence and medical assistance. WMSD is detrimental to both workers’ health and the business economy. Strategies to decrease muscle disorders could minimise the risk of illnesses, consequently decreasing costs originated by WMSD. The review article raises awareness of the costs produced due to WMSD around the world.
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The authors would like to acknowledge the Doctoral Program in Occupational Safety and Health from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto for the publication funding.
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Rosado, A.S., Baptista, J.S., Guilherme, M.N.H., Guedes, J.C. (2023). Economic Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders—A Systematic Review. In: Arezes, P.M., et al. Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health IV. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control, vol 449. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12547-8_48
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