Permanent Unfitness for Work and Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Multicentric Cross-sectional Study of 2788 Unfit Employees.

Abstract

To describe the various musculoskeletal diseases resulting in work-related permanent unfitness for work. Methods: In 2017, a multicenter cross-sectional employee survey in the South of France was conducted by 323 occupational physicians. Results: Of the 359,966 employees monitored, 2788 had permanent unfitness for work. This number included 1078 for musculoskeletal diseases, which was more frequent in women (odds ratio, 1.42; confidence interval, 1.20 to 1.68) and showed an increase in women older than 55 years (odds ratio, 6.42; confidence interval, 4.4 to 6.60). Back disorder was the most common work-related disorder reported (n = 488 [45.4%]), with soft tissue conditions being (n = 237 [22.0%]). Arthropathy (n = 157 [14.6%]) had occupational origins in 282 (44.3%), 169 (26.6%), and 55 (8.6%) cases, respectively. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disability prevention should be encouraged to avoid resultant employment attrition.