WORK ABSENTEEISM ASSOCIATED WITH
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN COLOMBIAN
COMPANIES
AUSENTISMO LABORAL ASOCIADO A
DESÓRDENESMUSCULOESQUELÉTICOS EN EMPRESAS
COLOMBIANAS
Herminio Pabón Trujillo
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios – Colombia
Sergio Andrés Trigos Bayona
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander – Colombia
Paula Andrea Bautista
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander – Colombia
Juan Carlos Castillo
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios – Colombia
Angie Dayana Rangel
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios - Colombia
Oscar Fabián Patiño
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios - Colombia

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v9i3.17717
Work absenteeism associated with musculoskeletal disorders in colombian
companies
Herminio Pabón Trujillo 1
herminio.pabon.t@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5636-4813
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia- Cúcuta
Sergio Andrés Trigos Bayona
satrigosb@ufpso.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7067-1689
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander
Colombia- Ocaña
Paula Andrea Bautista
pabatistab@ufpso.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5118-3319
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander
Colombia- Ocaña
Juan Carlos Castillo
Juan.castillo-h@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7011-537X
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia-Cúcuta
Angie Dayana Rangel
Angie.rangel-p@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2583-292X
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia-Cúcuta
Oscar Fabián Patiño
oscar.patino-m@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0185-8737
Corporación Universitaria Minuto
de Dios Colombia- Cúcuta
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The increasing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the Colombian union
environment represents a significant challenge in favor of workplace well-being and organizational
efficiency. DME, which includes conditions in muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, has established
itself as one of the key reasons for absence from work in the country, affecting both workers in
operational and administrative sectors. According to recent data, approximately 35% of applications for
work disability in Colombia are related to this type of disorder, which shows its effects on the health of
workers and on the direct and indirect costs for organizations. Various studies have indicated that the
frequency of signs linked to AMD in Colombian workers can exceed 70%, mainly affecting body areas
such as the neck, shoulders and spine. These conditions not only generate pain and functional
limitations, but also have an impact on business dynamics, increasing the number of days of disability,
decreasing productivity and raising operating costs. Elements such as heavy lifting, prolonged postures,
long hours and an inadequate ergonomic environment contribute to the appearance and aggravation of
these disorders objective: To analyze absenteeism related to musculoskeletal disorders in Colombian
companies, identifying its prevalence, associated factors and impact on productivity, in order to suggest
forecasting strategies. Methodology: The study is proposed under a quantitative, descriptive and cross-
sectional approach, with the ideal of analyzing the factors associated with occupational absence due to
musculoskeletal disorders in Colombian companies, the type of study is descriptive, cross-sectional and
retrospective, allowing to record and characterize the cases of absence from work associated with
musculoskeletal disorders in a defined period. Whose population will be active or retired workers of
Colombian companies who have presented work disabilities due to musculoskeletal causes in the
selected period and source of institutional records of work absenteeism and medical disabilities.
RESULTS: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the main sources of occupational absenteeism
in Colombian companies, especially in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and service sectors. It should
be noted that the incidence of musculoskeletal signs in workers can reach up to 79.2%, with greater
recurrence in the neck, shoulders, dorsal and lumbar spine.
Keywords: work absenteeism, work disability, prevalence, ergonomics, prevention
1 Autor Principal
Correspondencia: herminio.pabon.t@uniminuto.edu.co

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Ausentismo laboral asociado a desórdenesmusculoesqueléticos en empresas
colombianas
RESUMEN
Introduccion: La creciente incidencia de los desórdenes musculoesqueléticos (DME) en el entorno
gremial colombiano representa un desafío significativo en favor del bienestar laboral y la eficiencia
organizacional. Los DME, que comprenden afecciones en músculos, tendones, ligamentos y
articulaciones, se han consolidado como uno de los motivos clave de inasistencia laboral en el país,
afectando tanto a trabajadores de sectores operativos como administrativos. Según datos recientes,
aproximadamente el 35% de las solicitudes de incapacidad laboral en Colombia están relacionadas con
este tipo de trastornos, lo que evidencia sus efectos sobre la salud de los trabajadores y en los costos
directos e indirectos para las organizaciones. Diversos estudios han señalado que la frecuencia de signos
vinculados con DME en trabajadores colombianos puede superar el 70%, afectando principalmente
áreas corporales como el cuello, los hombros y la columna vertebral. Estas afecciones no solo generan
dolor y limitaciones funcionales, sino que también repercuten en la dinámica empresarial,
incrementando los días de incapacidad, disminuyendo la productividad y elevando los costos operativos.
Elementos como el levantamiento de objetos pesados, posturas prolongadas, jornadas extensas y un
entorno ergonómico inadecuado contribuyen a la aparición y agravamiento de estos trastornos objetivo:
Analizar el absentismo laboral relacionado con trastornos musculoesqueléticos en empresas
colombianas, identificando su prevalencia, factores asociados y el impacto en la productividad, con el
propósito de sugerir estrategias de previsión. Metodologia: El estudio se plantea bajo un enfoque
cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y transversal, con el ideal de analizar los factores asociados a la
ausencia ocupacional por trastornos musculoesqueléticos en empresas colombianas, el Tipo de estudio
es descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, permitiendo registrar y caracterizar los casos de ausencia
laboral asociados a desórdenes musculoesqueléticos en un periodo definido. Cuya población serán
Trabajadores activos o retirados de empresas colombianas que hayan presentado incapacidades
laborales por causas musculoesqueléticas en el periodo seleccionado y fuente de Registros
institucionales de ausentismo laboral e incapacidades médicas. Resultados: Los desórdenes
musculoesqueléticos (DME) son una de las principales fuentes de absentismo ocupacional en empresas
colombianas, especialmente en los sectores manufacturero, farmacéutico y de servicio. Es de resaltar
que la incidencia de signos musculoesqueléticos en trabajadores puede alcanzar hasta el 79,2%, con
mayor recurrencia en cuello, hombros, columna dorsal y lumbar.
Palabras Claves: ausentismo laboral, incapacidad laboral, prevalencia, ergonomía, prevención
Artículo recibido 15 abril 2025
Aceptado para publicación: 18 mayo 2025

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INTRODUCTION
Absenteeism from work is a prodigy that significantly affects business performance, causing both
direct costs, related to the payment of disabilities and economic benefits, and indirect costs, derived
from the need to temporarily replace absent personnel and the decrease in levels of organizational
efficiency. Among the multiple causes that cause absenteeism, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) stand
out as one of the primary ones, affecting workers in various sectors and occupations in Colombia.
These disorders include injuries or conditions of muscles, tendons, joints and other structures of the
musculoskeletal system, and are frequently associated with hazardous conditions at work such as
repetitive tasks, forced positions and handling of heavy objects.
Various studies have shown that the incidence of signs of DME in Colombian personnel is high and that
there is a clear link between the appearance of these symptoms and the increase in episodes of
absenteeism from work. The anatomical areas most affected are usually the spine, the shoulder and arm
area, and the upper body, which adversely affects the well-being of the workforce and the operation of
companies. Given this panorama, it is essential to analyze and characterize work absenteeism related to
musculoskeletal disorders in Colombian companies, to recognize the elements that represent
predominant danger and propose approach plans aimed at avoiding and managing these disorders, thus
contributing to improving occupational health and business productivity.
Various national studies have shown that up to 79% of workers may present symptoms related to DME,
which results in a large number of days of disability and a considerable economic impact for companies,
with costs that could exceed 100 million pesos annually in sectors such as flower growing. Aspects such
as lifting heavy objects manually, irregular postures, repeated movements and long hours contribute to
the appearance and worsening of these disorders.
Faced with this panorama, it is essential to analyze and characterize the lack of assistance on the part of
employees when carrying out their activities and its relationship with the presence of musculoskeletal
disorders in Colombian companies, with the aim of recognizing the predominant risk agents, the areas
and positions most affected, and proposing intervention strategies that allow reducing the occurrence of
these problems, strengthening workplace well-being and optimizing business productivity.

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Background
Work absenteeism is a persistent and high-impact phenomenon in the Colombian business environment.
According to the most recent reports, in 2023, 479,761 situations of absence from work were
documented in the country, representing an average of 1.38 events per employee, and represents a
challenge for both the productivity and financial sustainability of companies. Common health problems
continue to be the main reason for non-attendance at the workplace, representing nearly 69% of reported
cases. Within this group, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have gained special relevance as the
predominant origin of work disability of common and occupational origin in Colombia since the
beginning of the 21st century.
DME comprise a set of disorders that involve muscles, ligaments, joints and other parts of the
musculoskeletal system, the most common pathologies being tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, epicondylitis and non-specific low back pain. In 2005, Colombia reported an incidence rate
of 11.6 cases of DME per 10,000 employees, with a considerable economic burden, estimated at more
than 170 million dollars annually. The frequency of signs related to DME in Colombian workers can
exceed 79%, occurring mainly in the neck, shoulders and upper back, affecting both administrative
and operational workers.
Multiple dangerous conditions favor the appearance of DME in the workplace, among which the
handling of loads, continuous actions, uncomfortable positions, and long work days stand out.
Furthermore, studies have shown that sedentary work and the lack of adequate ergonomic conditions
increase the incidence of these disorders, especially in the upper limbs and spine. The evidence also
points to the urgency of applying strategic plans to prevent musculoskeletal diseases and promote
well-being, as well as ergonomic interventions, to reduce the prevalence of DME and how it
influences work absenteeism.
In this context, the analysis of employee non-attendance at the workplace linked to musculoskeletal
disorders in Colombian companies is essential to understand the dimension of the problem, detect its
predominant causes and propose effective actions that contribute to improving workplace well-being
and business productivity.

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Absenteeism from work is a phenomenon of high impact in the Colombian business environment, with
figures that demonstrate its persistence and relevance. In 2023, more than 479 thousand records of
absence from work were reported in the country, which is equivalent to 1.38 cases per employee,
according to studies by ANDI and CESLA. Of these cases, a significant proportion corresponds to
disabilities of common origin, within which musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occupy a prominent
place as one of the most determining factors of work absence and medical disability in Colombia.
DME include disorders that compromise muscular components, ligaments and other anatomical parts,
their appearance is strongly associated with risk conditions in the Colombian work environment such
as lifting heavy objects manually, performing tasks repeatedly, staying in a single posture for extended
periods of time or in an uncomfortable manner, and long work hours. Studies carried out in companies
from different sectors have shown that these factors, together with sociodemographic variables such as
gender and length of service, increase the frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the
cervical area, shoulders, dorsal spine and upper extremities.
The economic impact of work absenteeism associated with DME is considerable. In 2022,
absenteeism represented an additional cost equivalent to 4.74% of each worker's salary, adding to the
high non-salary cost that companies face. Furthermore, DME not only deteriorates employee well-
being, but also implies high expenses for work disabilities and treatments, affecting organizational
performance and the national economic environment.
In this context, scientific evidence and business reports in Colombia highlight the importance of
expanding the study of absenteeism related to DME, identifying the predominant risk factors and
promoting prevention and control strategies adapted to the national context.
METHODOLOGY
The study will be developed under a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective
approach, with the objective of analyzing the factors associated with work absenteeism due to
musculoskeletal disorders in Colombian companies.
It will be possible to characterize the prevalence, causes and characteristics of work absenteeism
associated with musculoskeletal disorders, the cases of work absenteeism that occurred in a defined
period will be recorded and analyzed, allowing the historical and current behavior of this phenomenon

pág. 1156
to be observed in the target population, the population will be active or retired workers of Colombian
companies who have presented work disabilities due to musculoskeletal causes during the selected
period, and they will be taken from the institutional records of work absenteeism and disabilities.
medical, ensuring the inclusion of all cases that meet the established selection criteria, validated
instruments will be used for the identification of musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors,
structured questionnaires such as the “Nordic Questionnaire” can be used.
Sociodemographic variables (age, sex, position, seniority), characteristics of the absenteeism episodes
(frequency, duration, area of the company affected), anatomical location of the musculoskeletal
disorders and associated ergonomic factors will be analyzed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Various studies carried out in Colombian companies show that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are
one of the main causes of absenteeism from work, significantly affecting the productivity, well-being
of workers and generating direct and indirect costs for organizations. Among the main findings, a
research carried out in an IPS in Bogotá stands out, 95.1% of the staff manifested some
musculoskeletal symptom, the most affected areas being the neck. (48.2%), the lumbar spine (45.4%)
and the right hand/wrist (41.2%). In a poultry company, the prevalence of DME was 19.2%, with the
lumbar region being the most involved (61.4% of cases). On the other hand, in a company in the
pharmaceutical sector in Bogotá, between 2016 and 2018, 123 cases of absenteeism due to DME were
recorded, totaling 850 days of disability. 69% of the cases occurred in commercial areas and 31% in
support areas. The spine and thorax were the most frequently affected areas (35.8%), but the ankle and
foot generated the most days of absence (28% of the total), and in the toiletries and cosmetics industry,
absenteeism due to DME was more relevant in women, regardless of the activity performed.
The most frequent pain was located in the upper limbs, neck and shoulders, resulting in disabilities of
1 to 3 days, and among the associated factors, physical inactivity and inadequate posture stand out as
factors that contribute to the development of DME and, therefore, absenteeism from work. The
majority of the affected workers are operators with 8-hour days and work experience of more than 3
years. DMEs not only affect worker health but also increase temporary replacement costs and decrease
business productivity.

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There are no recent and specific published data detailing the percentage of work absenteeism due to
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) broken down by city in Colombia in the studies reviewed. Many of
the studies focus on specific productive sectors or companies, mainly in Bogotá, and do not present
percentage comparisons between cities.
A study in a pharmaceutical company in Bogotá reported 123 cases of absenteeism due to DME
between 2016 and 2018, but does not compare these data with other cities.
Research in the manufacturing and cosmetics sector mentions cases in cities such as Bogotá and La
Tebaida (Quindío), but without comparative percentages between cities.
National studies report general prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, such as 54.3% in the neck,
53.6% in the upper back and 46% in the wrists, but without breaking down by city.
Figure 1. General Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms.
Fuente: Pabón,H.(2025)
Among the most frequent factors of musculoskeletal disorders in companies in Colombia
Repetitive movements of the upper extremities stand out, especially in administrative and production
tasks, manual handling of loads, including lifting, moving, dragging or transporting heavy loads, as
well as maintaining incorrect positions for a long time, both standing and sitting, which generate
overload in the neck, back and upper extremities, prolonged physical efforts and overuse of certain
body segments, which can lead to cumulative trauma, inappropriate use of tools or poorly designed
54,3% 53,6%
46%
Neck High back Dolls
General Prevalence of Musculoskeletal
Symptoms

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workstations, which force the adoption of forced positions, vibrations, exposure to cold and direct
compression. on the skin or nerves.
On the other hand, high work demands, accelerated pace and continuous production, which increases
fatigue and the probability of damage, long work hours and lack of active breaks or adequate breaks,
work monotony and high cognitive demand and within the socio-demographic factors, age, gender,
weight, body mass index (BMI) and general health status influence the susceptibility to developing
DME.
Figure 2. Most common causes of DME.
Fuente: Pabon,H.(2025)
DME represent one of the main reasons for absenteeism in the country, significantly affecting the
operation and productivity of companies. This absenteeism generates both direct costs, such as the
payment of disabilities and economic benefits, and indirect costs, related to the temporary replacement
of the worker and the decrease in productivity levels. In sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing,
DME can represent up to 82% of reported occupational diseases, which shows the magnitude of the
problem in the national context.
Despite the high impact of DME, studies agree that the implementation of preventive strategies and
the use of ergonomic analysis tools (such as RULA or REBA) can significantly reduce the incidence
and costs associated with these disorders. However, there is a need for more longitudinal research and
updating of public health information in the national environment, to design more effective and
sectorized interventions.
94% 91%
80,30%
72,50%
41,20%
26,50%
Standing Repetitive
movements
Maintain the
same posture
Positions that
cause pain
Cargo
handling
Insufficient
spaces
Most common causes of DME

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CONCLUSIONS
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) constitute one of the most important triggers of work absenteeism in
Colombian companies, particularly in operational positions and sectors with high physical demand,
such as construction and manufacturing. Absenteeism due to MSD has a considerable adverse
influence on business productive performance and the quality of life of employees, generating both
direct costs (disabilities, licenses, benefits) and indirect costs (decrease in productivity, need for
replacements, overload of other employees).
Research shows that the incidence of DME and related absenteeism is higher in operational workers,
who have more muscle problems and less healthy lifestyles compared to administrative staff. Many
companies do not sufficiently apply prevention and epidemiological surveillance programs for DME,
which contributes to the increase in cases and the lack of control over associated costs. Postural
analysis and the detection of dangerous occupational conditions are essential to design effective
prevention strategies that reduce the incidence of DME and absenteeism. related, it is recommended to
strengthen the culture of prevention through training, adaptation in work stations, scheduled breaks
and health control programs, together with respect for current laws on health and safety, work
absenteeism due to DME constitutes a multi-causal and growing event in Colombia, which requires
the priority attention of organizations and the occupational health sector to mitigate its economic and
social impact on organizations and workers.
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