Prioritizing Essential Workers’ Health

The November issue of Orthopedic Insights, looked at the importance of providing an essential benefit to the essential workforce. Traditional office workers generally receive far more attention from businesses, yet the economy suffers a costly impact if its essential workers are unable to work because of musculoskeletal issues.

Essential workers require skill, a well-developed work ethic, grit, and the ability to lift heavy objects or be on their feet continuously. There is a significantly high risk that these employees will be injured or experience muscle strain or chronic pain.

Providing a choice in benefits can ensure that your essential workforce stays physically healthy. Regenexx works with many compensation plans to help employees get back on the job. Following is a breakdown of musculoskeletal disorders reported by some of the top essential industries:

Manufacturing¹

• Sprains, strains and tears make up 28 percent of injuries.
• Musculoskeletal soreness and pain comprise an additional 14.5 percent.

Healthcare

Healthcare workers—specifically hospital workers—have nearly twice the rate of overexertion injuries as workers in other industries.

Construction²

Musculoskeletal disorders account for 77 percent of work-related health issues.

Grocery and Convenience ³

Grocery and convenience stores are ranked as one of the nine industry classifications reporting 100,000 or more musculoskeletal injury cases per year.

Cutting Costs for Everyone

Keeping healthcare expenses in check can be difficult. The Regenexx Corporate program allows businesses and employees alike to see significant savings as opposed to the cost of many common orthopedic surgeries.

Corporate Spotlight

The Edw. C. Levy Company provides environmental solutions for construction and other industries. The company produces lightweight aggregates, asphalt, cement, and concrete, as well as agricultural products and more, and it also is involved in roadbuilding, flame-cutting and treatment, steel-mill services, logistics, and laboratory testing.

Because Edw. C. Levy Co.’s employee base consists primarily of frontline workers, musculoskeletal disorders figure prominently in the company’s overall healthcare spending. Linda Wyatt, vice president of Human Resources, shares how Regenexx meets the healthcare needs of Edw. C. Levy Co. employees.

News and Research

• The NSAID Apples-to-Apples Dilemma
• One in Eight Orthopedic Surgeries Lead to Heart Damage
• Helping the Active Aging Stay Active
• Preventative Factors Against Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Regenexx Q3 Success Report

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Sources:
¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
² US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
³ The BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII)
⁴ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)