This intervention appears to be effective in reducing low back pain associated workers compensation costs

Introduction
To evaluate the outcomes of the introduction of a standardized fitness-for-duty evaluation of commercial truck drivers during the comprehensive Department of Transportation physical examination on the incidence of back injuries and associated workers compensation costs

Methods
Questionnaires, functional testing and manual muscle testing were used to evaluate commercial truck drivers by the trained physical therapists, which was taken into consideration by a provider performing DOT physical exam. Incidence rates of low back injury and associated workers compensation costs from 1999-2006, three years before and after the intervention, were determined

Results
There was a 54% reduction in low back pain incidence with an associated 45% decrease in workers compensation costs from 1999 to 2006

Discussion
This intervention appears to be effective in reducing low back pain and associated workers’ compensation costs. The costs decreased more sharply than the injury rates probably because more in-depth musculoskeletal examination by the physical therapists performing the FCE portion of the exam can reduce the severity of the subsequent back injuries and medical expenses associated with the injuries