Work-Related Illness Surveillance Program. Estimation of underreporting of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees in France in 2016–2017 and 2018–2019, and trends since 2009

The underreporting rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as occupational diseases (ODs) refers to the proportion of MSDs that were not reported as ODs among all work-related MSDs affecting employees and meeting the criteria for an occupational disease. In 2016–2017 and 2018–2019, the underreporting rate ranged from 50% to 75% for all MSDs considered (shoulder, elbow, lumbar spine, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)), regardless of the employees’ gender. Despite a one-time decline in 2013, underreporting of shoulder MSDs remained relatively stable between 2009 and 2016–2017, ranging from 59% to 65%, before rising to 72% in 2018–2019. This increase toward the end of the period was particularly pronounced among women. Underreporting of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was relatively stable between 2009 and 2019 (between 55% and 60%), with the exception of a sharp decrease in 2015 (43%). Underreporting of MSDs of the elbow and lumbar spine remained relatively stable throughout the 2009–2019 period, ranging from 60% to 70% for the elbow and 50% to 60% for the lumbar spine. The main reasons for underreporting were the employee’s lack of familiarity with the process, an inadequate diagnostic assessment, and the employee’s refusal; this refusal was due in the majority of cases to fear of job loss. The underreporting of MSDs, although difficult to assess, therefore remains a significant phenomenon, underscoring the importance of continuing to improve accurate information on work-related accidents and occupational diseases (AT-MP) for workers, employers, and physicians. Furthermore, in 2024, these results informed the work of the Commission established by Article L.176-2 of the Social Security Code, which is tasked in particular with estimating the cost of unreported occupational diseases.

Author(s): Homère Julie, Delézire Pauline, Bonnet Thomas, Chatelot Juliette

Publishing year: 2024

Pages: 10 p.

Collection: Current State of Knowledge

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