Physiotherapists: helping reduce sickness absence rates
Physiotherapists are established as one of the key types of professionals working to cut down on sickness absence rates.
Employers that contract physiotherapists to provide OH services are seeing good returns because people are able to stay in work through a combination of preventive measures and fast, effective treatment.
These physiotherapists work with employers to provide safe, effective work environments and offer advice and treatment to employees who begin to develop a problem that could result in sick leave. In many cases, this early intervention prevents any absence from being necessary.
If someone does go on sick leave, they are seen as soon as possible before their condition worsens, to ensure that symptoms are treated and any underlying behavioural or environmental factors, such as poor posture or a poorly designed work station, are dealt with to facilitate a swift return to work.
Up to 30% of sickness absence is because of a musculoskeletal condition and, in many cases, early access to a physiotherapist could have dealt with the immediate problem and corrected any other factors to avoid a recurrence.
Evidence of improvement
In 2012, Staffordshire County Council contracted a private OH physiotherapy company to reduce its sickness absences. The rapid-access physiotherapy service begins with a telephone triage to allow contact with the employee within 24 hours of first being off work.
During the call the nature of the problem is established, with self-management advice and exercises discussed. If necessary, a face-to-face physiotherapy appointment can be arranged at a convenient time and location for the employee.
Since the start of this rapid-access physiotherapy programme, the council has reported an 8% drop in staff absence, amounting to 9,000 fewer sick days per year, a 12% reduction in musculoskeletal absences and a 300% return on investment.
A dedicated physiotherapy service is now in place for staff with conditions such as pain and stiffness in joints, muscles, nerves and soft tissues. It offers rapid treatment to help staff to return to work quickly.
As noted by Dame Carol Black, too many people fall out of work when their condition could have been managed: “It wastes human life. It ruins people’s sense of self-worth, dignity. It’s bad for families, bad for the economy, and bad for the community.”
We have a wealth of experience working in OH helping companies support their workforce, reducing sickness absence and avoiding the costly repercussion of injury so call us today to discuss how we might be able to help you.
