Most common reasons for work absenteeism stem from illnesses that are widespread and from accidents not caused by work. In addition to these minor health issues and illnesses or injuries that occur in the workplace, osteoarthritis stands out as a leading contributor to permanent disability among workers, affecting productivity and increasing the need for accommodations. Effectively managing OA requires a combination of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and workplace adjustments to preserve function on the job.
Data from Spain’s Social Security show that in October alone, 983,310 pensions were granted for this cause, with an average payout of 1,164.78 euros. The Spanish Society of Rheumatology notes that osteoarthritis ranks third in the country for work incapacity, underscoring its impact on employees and employers alike. Social Security data.
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Osteoarthritis affects about seven million people in Spain, roughly speaking. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly five hundred million people live with OA. These figures underscore OA as a major global health issue that intersects health care, work, and social protection systems. Health Organization.
Osteoarthritis is more common among women and among people aged fifty five and older. Approximately one in four women aged fifteen and older has OA. The disease is not curable, but treatments exist to reduce pain and slow progression, and early diagnosis makes it easier to manage symptoms and maintain mobility. Society of Rheumatology.
In the social protection framework, permanent disability is categorized into four levels, defined as follows:
- Partial permanent disability for the usual profession: This level describes a decrease of at least 33 percent in normal performance for the worker’s usual profession, without preventing the performance of the essential tasks of that work.
- Total permanent disability for the usual profession: Disables the worker from performing all or the essential tasks of the usual profession, provided the worker can undertake another occupation.
- Absolute permanent disability for all work: Disables the worker completely from any profession or trade.
- Grand invalidity: The worker with permanent disability who, due to anatomical or functional losses, requires the assistance of another person for the most essential daily activities such as dressing, moving, or eating.