Ireland spends more per capita (40.9 per cent ) on sickness and healthcare benefits than 24 countries featured in a Europe wide survey. Absenteeism in the workplace, meanwhile, is costing an estimated €750 million per annum.
The issue was raised by MEP Jim Higgins before an Oireachtas Joint Committee this week who proposed a more holistic approach to tackling health matters for workers. The Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West stated that Musculoskeletal Diseases (MSDs ), which cover over 200 conditions affecting the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels, are the number one cause of absenteeism. “This is more than just a health issue. The economy is facing a tough road ahead and we have no choice but to make sure we are making the most of the resources that we have. The good health of our workers will be a key component in the recovery,” he said.
The intensification of work, an ageing population and rising rates of obesity are all risk factors for MSDs in the working age population for at least the next 20 years, according to the report, which found that 100 million Europeans suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain with up to 40 per cent having to give up work due to their condition.
“Early intervention and access to the right kind of treatments are crucial,” said Prof Geraldine McCarthy, consultant rheumatologist.
However, evidence shows that work is generally good for your health and that going back to work can have both physical and psychological benefits, according to John Church, CEO of Arthritis Ireland, a partner in the project. “Recent developments in the UK are hugely encouraging and the replacement of the ‘sick note’ with the ‘fit note’ means that people can avoid the risk of isolation, loss of confidence, de-skilling that often come with long-term absences from the workplace,” he said.
