Economic consequences of work-related disorders

The paper aims to point out the high incidence level of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in society and their related costs, which have an impact on different involved entities. Highlighting the leading cause of MSDs in developed countries could change attitudes and ways to solve this issue. The primary method employed herein is the literature review, supported by the secondary data provided by national and supranational institutions. The costs of MSDs mean a significant burden on society. MSDs belong to one of the most frequent occupational disease categories. Mainly, indirect and intangible costs affect workers, their families, employers, and society, although they are not as apparent as direct costs at the beginning when MSD occurs. Discovering an actual cause should lead to a solution. If most MSDs were work-related, workplaces would have to be changed. The strict application of ergonomics standards could reduce the incidence rate and decrease the total costs of MSDs. The unsolved issue is that employers must be more motivated to apply ergonomic standards fully because they share only a part of the total costs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are negative externalities whose reduction has to be enforced by the government.