September 15, 2017.

According to the results of the Work accidents and occupational diseases (AT-MP) branch of Social Security, the number of work accidents fell in 2016, compared to 2015. But more and more employees are suffering from headaches. back.

We have more and more back pain at work

Is back pain the evil of the century for workers? While the number of work accidents has fallen significantly in one year (33,8 cases per 1 employees in 000, compared to 2016 cases in 33,9), low back pain is on the rise. In 2016, they represented 20% of work-related accidents, which is 7 points more than in 2005. Among the people who suffer the most from back pain, we find construction workers.

But this is not the only sector affected: people who work in the personal services sector are experiencing an upsurge in work stoppages due to low back pain. According to the report, there has even been a 45% increase in accidents over the past ten years in this industry. And it’s no wonder, caring for the elderly or disabled can be very sporty.

1 billion euros for health insurance

These low back pain should be taken seriously, because people who suffer from it must stop working for two months on average. This represents a cost for the company but also for Social Security. In total, according to this report, low back pain costs 1 billion euros to health insurance. Along with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and asbestos-related pathologies, this is the most important compensation item.

MSDs, generally due to repetitive actions, have however declined by 4% in one year. Asbestos-related diseases decreased by 9,5%. With low back pain, the diseases that increase in the world of work are mental pathologies : Social Security received, in 2016, three times more requests for support than in 2011. Requests following what is now known as “burn-out”. 

Marine Rondot

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