Absenteeism and presenteeism costs from occupational accidents with WRMSDs in a Portuguese hospital

Abstract

The morbidity associated with WRMSDs leads to productivity losses (absenteeism and presenteeism) in healthcare organizations, which induces a substantive impact (cost).. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact (cost) of WRMSDs for accidents involving nurses and nurses’ aides in a small Portuguese hospital. It begins by identifying the workplace accidents (WA) that these occupational groups suffered between 2009 and 2013, which resulted in WRMSDs. Healthcare workers answered a questionnaire with WQL-8 and SPS-6 scales to determine the levels of presenteeism. This study adopted a human capital methodology in order to estimate the indirect costs of lost productivity from WRMSDs. Patient transfers are a major cause of WRMSDs, with most prevalent injuries being in the lumbar region. Between 2009 and 2013 there is a loss of productivity in this institution estimated of €222,015.98 from WA with WRMSDs that lead to absenteeism and presenteeism (€ 189,679.87 absenteeism and € 32,158.86 presenteeism).