Disability pensions because of musculoskeletal diseases among women of different occupations

Altogether 9,516 women, 16-67 years of age, were granted a disability pension in Norway in 1993. Musculoskeletal disease was registered as the main diagnosis for 3,730. Employment status is known for 3,125 of these 3,730 women. Analyses, based on age standardized incidence rates--SIR's, pointed to shop assistants, practical nurses and charladies as the three major occupational groups with high risk of being disability pensioned because of musculoskeletal disease. These three occupations accounted for more than one third of all women in paid employment who were granted a disability pension for musculoskeletal disease 1993. Compensation will amount to about NOK 600 million before these women reach the normal retirement age of 67 years. Prevention of musculoskeletal diseases in the labour force would appear to be potentially cost-effective. So far, prevention of work-related musculoskeletal diseases has focused mainly on the technical ergonomic aspects of the working conditions. It is recommended that more attention be given to organizational aspects, such as daily hours of work, the timing and duration of breaks, work pace and potential to influence one's own work situation.