Financial Impact and Causes of Chronic MSD Cases in Malaysia Based on SOCSO Claims Record

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) are major occupational health issues among the private sector and government. This paper analyzed total direct cost being paid by the Social Security Organization of Malaysia (SOCSO) to the Malaysian workers due to musculoskeletal disease. Total direct cost consists of compensation cost, return to work and rehabilitation cost, and medical cost. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the total direct costs incurred as a result of cases of chronic musculoskeletal injuries approved by SOCSO from 2010–2014. (2) To examine the age category imposed for the total average cost on the highest MSDs claims for the four categories setting. This study has utilize data provided by Social Security Organization of Malaysia (SOCSO) on occupational diseases and adopt top-down approach. The claims data is limited to MSD reported between 2009 until 2014. A total of 416 claims related to MSD has been analyzed. All the category recorded the highest total direct cost for types of industry, types of injury, causes of accident and type of body part. Then age claimant is identified from total average cost earns from the highest total direct cost for four categories. Manufacturing industry, strenuous movement, sprain and strain and back are recorded as high total direct cost with bear cost of RM 5,181,282.34 (n = 185), RM 7,088,839.51 (n = 264), RM 8,753,975.13 (n = 335), RM 5,526,590.69 (n = 209) respectively. Then the age 35–44 is recorded as the high total average cost for this four parameter. This study will provide basis for future studies and intervention on MSD related injuries in working environment in Malaysia.