Documents Tsai, Shan P. 4 results

In 1992, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and University in Baltimore (MD, USA) initiated a programme aimed at the early diagnosis and treatment of potential upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UEWMSDs) among employees. The programme consisted of an ergonomic assessment of workplaces of employees with UEWSMSD, as well as the identification and correction of areas throughout the hospital and university where UEWMSDs could possibly occur. The programme resulted in an initial increase in the number and cost for the treatment of UEWMSDs. Subsequently, there was a significant decrease in the number of UEWMSDs reported and virtual elimination of the need to use surgical procedures to correct these conditions.

Results of a mortality study of 3803 refinery and petrochemical workers at a U.S. facility are presented. Compared to national and local populations, significantly fewer deaths were observed for all causes combined, all malignant neoplasms, heart disease, nonmalignant respiratory disease, and cirrhosis of the liver among white male employees after 10 years or more latency. The brain cancer rate for this group was nonsignificantly increased; mortality from leukaemia was consistently lower than expected. Factors considered to contribute to this overall favourable mortality include the healthy worker effect, relatively low risks related to the workplace, and the beneficial effects of continuing employment.

This article reports three years of activity of the Johns Hopkins Self-Insured Workers' Compensation Program in the State of Maryland, USA. The occupational physician/nurse team coordinates the entire care-management system from prevention of accidents to facilitated return to work. The latter includes follow-up of workplace hazards and corrections of unfavourable ergonomic conditions. The decrease in claims and the significant savings achieved indicate the success of this integrated approach in a state where employees are free to choose their physicians.