The social and economic cost of traffic-related injury in Australia h a s b e e n e s t i m a t e d t o b e $15 billion annually, with lost productivity and workplace disruption representing 23% of this economic cost, second only to vehicle repairs (27%).1 As an expression of social reintegration, return to work (RTW) is perceived to be a key milestone in the rehabilitation of the injured patient. 2There is a significant body of literature examining rates and factors associated with RTW among injured populations. Much of this literature has, however, focused on a particular type of injury such as traumatic brain injury, 3 spinal cord injury 4,5 and lower extremity injury.6 Among inclusive studies, RTW rates range from 60-90%, one to two years following major trauma.2,7-10 Younger age, higher educational level, higher preinjury income and positive social support have been associated with improved RTW outcomes.2,6,9,11 Indicators of injury severity (e.g. length of stay) and disability associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and orthopaedic trauma are associated with lower rates of RTW. 2,6,9,[11][12][13] Studies that have examined the nature of 'work' indicate that 'blue collar' or manual workers have slower RTW rates than their 'white collar' counterparts. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that both injury type and severity and the nature of ones occupation have a considerable influence on the rate and pattern of return to work following injury.Further, persisting disability has a direct influence on the likelihood of returning to work. The implications of these findings and the types of data required to measure outcome post-injury are discussed.

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