In California alone, an estimated $25 billion was paid in 2003 for work comp premiums. Ergonomic interventions cost a small fraction of this amount. The key is to implement a program with a core set of actions so that employees eventually incorporate ergonomic skills into their daily life.

True cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs are more expensive to treat than the average occupational injury/illness claim. The National Council on Compensation Insurance reports that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome costs $29,000 and Blue Cross of California reports $100,000.

Direct Costs:

• Medical expenses
• Compensation payments to injured workers while away from work

Effective ergonomic interventions provide financial benefits by reducing costs in these areas:

• Workers' compensation
• Turnover
• Absenteeism and poor morale
• Product defects/mistakes: proper tools and workstations can help people do it right the first time.
• Inefficiency
• Fatigue