Rehab cure for work absence ‘saves millions’

HUNDREDS of millions of euro lost through absenteeism could be saved if proper rehabilitation programmes are put in place, physiotherapists have said.

President of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), Ms Annette Shanahan, said musculoskeletal disorders are consistently the most commonly type of work-related illness, accounting for over half of sickness absence in the health services alone.

“Back, neck and limb injuries are widespread and are responsible for significant days lost,” she said. “However, recent UK research has shown that sickness/injury absence can be reduced by as much as 25%, saving employers in Ireland hundreds of millions of euro, if proper rehabilitation programmes are put in place.