Nearly half of EU work absences are from MSDs

A new study has found that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for nearly half (49%) of all absences from work and 60% of permanent work incapacity in the European Union. These and other socio-economic consequences of suffering from poor health due to muscle and joint pain represent an estimated cost to society in Europe of up to €240bn, according to The Work Foundation which conducted the study, known as the Fit for Work report.