Research Plus

Economic case?

Is there an economic case for investing in OH interventions? A systematic review (67 papers) examined evidence from various sectors. Within the healthcare sector, there is moderate evidence that ergonomic and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention programmes, including patient-lifting aids, techniques and training, are worth undertaking on economic grounds, and moderate to limited evidence for the economic benefits of occupational disease prevention programmes, including needlestick prevention and the use of powder-free gloves. There is strong evidence in various sectors for the economic benefits of disability management programmes and, in manufacturing and warehousing, for interventions to prevent MSDs.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009; 51(9): 1004–1023. http://journals.lww.com/joem/Abstract/2009/09000/A_Systematic_Review_of_Occupational_Health_and.6.aspx

Tags cost benefit analysis evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2009/2010 (vol. 06/4) pp40