Cigna UK HealthCare Benefits has issued two free guides on work absence caused by upper limb disorders.
The health benefits provider said that around five million working days a year are lost in the UK to these disorders. The cost is put at £5bn to £10bn annually.
Cigna's electronic booklets, developed in recognition of the latest research and clinical guidelines provided by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), look at how employers and employees can manage their impact, and offers solutions to the challenges.
The first guide provides support and helpful advice to employers on managing these conditions in the workplace. The second guide is designed for employees.
It provides resources and helpful information that can help them manage and live with their condition.
Upper limb disorders affect the arms, shoulders and neck, and are commonly associated with repetitive work-related tasks such as typing on a keyboard.
Kirsty Jagielko, head of product management at Cigna, said: "This is the latest addition to our long-term programme of condition management.
"Upper limb disorders, or repetitive strain injuries, affect around 215,000 UK workers every year.
"These can be caused or aggravated by daily work tasks, so it's important that employers know how to manage these conditions.
"They can reduce the potential impact on their business by raising awareness and making reasonable adjustments."
To download:
The employer guide
The employee guide
