While there are estimated to be more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form, affecting 32.5 million U.S. adults, according to The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance.
If you think that is bad, it’s going to get worse. By 2040, the same group expects 78 million will have some form of arthritis.
As all health issues affect the workplace Brian Gifford, IBI's Director, Research and Analytics, recently presented a webinar on this topic and offered some interesting metrics.
Looking at the cost of treating employees, using medical and prescription costs, who had OA compared to those who don’t, costs were $5,199 higher in the wholesale/retail businesses and $9, 250 higher in the transportation sector.
For those who filed disability claims, the wage replacement costs per claim were as follows:
Construction $6, 368 , short- term $23, 319 long-term
Manufacturing $ 7,181 $15,521
Transportation $7,788 $23,743
Gifford said that in order to help employees with this disease improve their health and to help employers reduce costs, they should be asking these questions:
- Do you know the prevalence of OA in your workforce?
- How are your employees with OA utilizing the health care system?
- How are your employees with OA utilizing their disability, occupational, injury and leave benefits?