Special Issue on Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and the Role of Occupational Therapy: Implications of a Systematic Literature Review for Practice, Research, Education, and Policy

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) accounted for 29% of the injuries and illnesses requiring a median of 10 days away from work in 2008, a percentage that has not varied greatly since 2005. In 2008, MSDs required a median of 10 days away from work. Injuries to the back accounted for 20.4% (or one-fifth) of all work-related injuries and illnesses, requiring a median of 7 days away from work per incident. Injuries to the upper extremities accounted for >23% of all workplace injuries, with carpal tunnel syndrome in particular accounting for an average of 28 days away from work per incident, more than most other MSDs. Decreased productivity resulting from injury and workers’ compensation claims and costs result in lost revenue for many companies. In 2007, the National Academy of Social Insurance reported that cash benefits to injured workers and medical payments...