Facts on the occupational disability risk

Essentially, all workers' compensation systems cover the disability risk. This is vitally important given the enormous personal, social and financial consequences involved.

According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of temporary orpermanent occupational disability in many industrial countries, causing economic losses of up to 5% of the GDP.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that of the 160 million annual cases of occupational disability, 10% end in permanent disability. If occupational accidents are included, this figure is even higher.

The 2003 Eurostat report "Employment of disabled people in Europe" revealed that some 16% of the population in 25 European countries suffer from a "long-standing health problem or disability". Work-related reasons were given as the second most common cause.

According to US statistics, some 32%of benefit recipients between 1970 and 2000 were partially or totally disabled on a permanent basis; this group accounted for over 74% of the benefits paid.