The costs of job accommodations for employees with low back pain

Accommodations are interventions designed to reduce exposure to factors that limit the activities of an impaired individual. The process incurs costs due to job analysis, implementation and follow up. This theoretical paper expands a model of the ergonomic intervention process and provides data on costs of accommodating individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain. Accommodations begin with evaluation and documentation of exposure to risk factors. The methods depend on the budget and clinical utility of the data. A full hazard analysis may require 1-hour managerial time plus 1-hour employee time per job. Studies by the Department of Labor and others indicate that at least a quarter of problem jobs could be addressed faster and for less than US dollars 500. Follow-up incurs variable employee and managerial time; an ergonomist may be required in 15% of cases. The benefit is expected mainly from reducing compensation costs. Universal solutions could increase the benefits.