Managing the Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Absence and Productivity

Marcy Ledford, MS, CRC

Director, Workforce Solutions Group
Unum

Stephanie Willett, MPH

Director, Workforce Solutions Group
Unum

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect more than half of Americans age 18 and over, and nearly three out of four age 65 and over.¹

Many disability management professionals utilize software programs that contain built-in information to assist in determining disability duration from various MSDs and return-to-work (RTW) needs (i.e., MD Guidelines). Some disability carriers have also developed internal guidelines to complement such software. However, even with such resources, a comprehensive understanding of MSDs and their impact on absence and productivity is a crucial element of disability management.

Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is aggressively expanding its enforcement efforts to ensure that employees are not denied the interactive process to accommodate disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This places far greater liability on employers when it comes to evaluating ADA requests.

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