Research Plus

Preventing work disability

A Cochrane review found moderate evidence to support the use of workplace interventions to reduce sickness absence among workers with musculoskeletal disorders, but no evidence that they improve health outcomes. Interventions included changes to the workplace, equipment,work design and organisation, working conditions and occupational case management. The review supports the use of workplace interventions to improve return to work by addressing work disability rather than the underlying medical condition. There was a lack of research investigating interventions for workers with mental health or other conditions.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009; 2: article number CD006955. 

Tags evidence based practice msd - musculoskeletal disorder

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2009 (vol. 06/1) pp41