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Workers' compensation experiences of computer users with musculoskeletal disorders
Author(s) -
Fang Shona,
Dropkin Jonathan,
Herbert Robin,
Triola Dushana,
Landsbergis Paul
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20478
Subject(s) - medicine , workers' compensation , compensation (psychology) , government (linguistics) , financial compensation , work (physics) , musculoskeletal disorder , occupational medicine , physical therapy , family medicine , human factors and ergonomics , environmental health , occupational exposure , poison control , social psychology , psychology , linguistics , philosophy , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background Computer‐related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are of concern as computer use continues to increase. While MSDs are among the most disabling conditions in the United States, the workers' compensation (WC) experiences of individuals with these occupational disorders are not well described. Methods We conducted a study among 149 adults with work‐related MSDs of the neck, upper back, or upper extremity related to computer use. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on subjective experiences with WC and economic issues. Results Seventy‐four percent filed for WC. Twenty‐five percent of all participants reported major financial difficulties after developing their MSD, though the majority filed for WC. Despite filing for WC, a large proportion relied partially on government, employer, or personal financial sources. Sixty‐two percent reported that overall satisfaction with the WC insurer was poor. Conclusions Findings indicate that a majority of participants filed for WC. Despite filing for WC financial difficulties after developing their MSD were considerable. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:512–518, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc