Arthritis' Affect on the Workforce
12/10/07
Currently, 15% of all Americans have some form of arthritis and this number is predicted to grow to 18.2% by 2020.1 Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the country and has a major affect on the workforce. A recent Canadian study followed 490 employed adults with arthritis for more than four years. Over the course of the study, 63% of participants remained employed but experienced many work changes2, 45% had to reduce their work hours because of arthritis, 52% switched their job type, 18% weren't able to seek or accept promotions and job transfers, and 41% weren't able to take on more work responsibilities.2
Costs of Arthritis1
- The total costs attributable to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States in 2003 was approximately $128 billion, or 1.2% of the 2003 GDP.
- $80.8 billion was spent on direct costs like medical expenses.
- $47.0 billion was spent on indirect costs from lost earnings and lost productivity.
- Work limitation due to arthritis by people with diagnosed arthritis ranges from 25.1% to 51.3% working adults.
Tips for Employers on How Can Arthritis Be Prevented1
Non-modifiable risk factors for arthritis include aging, being female or genetic causes. You can help prevent arthritis by:
- Controlling excess weight can reduce the chances of future knee problems. Encourage employees to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
- Reducing joint injuries.
- Reducing infection, some types of microbial agents can infect the joints and can cause different forms of arthritis.
- Having a safe work environment that reduces the impact from repetitive knee bending and squatting can reduce the chances of arthritis in the knee.
For more information visit:
American College of Rheumatology
Centers for Disease Control - Arthritis
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis – Data and Statistics. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/index.htm. Accessed November 12, 2007.
2 HealthDay News. Arthritis Takes Major Toll on Workplace. The Washington Post. Novemeber 10, 2007.
|