Compensation claims for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers in France, 2010–2016

Abstract

Background. Hairdressers in France experience occupational illness as well as stressful working conditions which can result in permanent incapacity mainly due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), yet WRMSDs in this workforce remain largely unstudied. Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in compensation claims for WRMSDs among hairdressers. Methods. Data concerning gender, age, permanent incapacity, working experience and lost work days (LWD) of claimants were extracted from the French National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers. Results. The claim rate increased non-significantly by 12.8% during the study period. The incidence rate of permanent incapacity increased significantly by 16.0%. In proportion, significant differences were observed between age groups, with age 35–49 years ranking first (45.8%), and also in claimants with working experience > 10 years (43.1%). Overall, there were 666,461 LWD during the study period with a significant increase of 16.2% (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Although the claims rate did not increase significantly, the incidence rate of permanent incapacity increased significantly and some groups at risk have been indentified.