The Impact of Early Workplace-Based Return-to-Work Strategies on Work Absence Duration: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study Following an Occupational Musculoskeletal Injury

Abstract

Analyses using administrative and self-reported indices of work absence generally converged. Work accommodation and targeted HCP communication with the workplace are critical for effective early RTW interventions.

Course of Depressive Symptoms Following a Workplace Injury: A 12-Month Follow-Up Update

“…We conducted a prospective cohort study of Ontario workers filing a new Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB) lost-time claim for a work-related MSK back or upper extremity soft-tissue disorder from 2005 to 2007 (methods described in detail elsewhere [3,[10][11][12]). Eligibility criteria included: work absence of at least 5 days within 14 days following injury, claim filing within 7 days of injury, and 15 years of age or older.…”

Evaluating the RECOVER model as an effective early intervention progam [sic]

“…Due to current 'wait-and-see' practices associated with the provision of and access to rehabilitative services, many workers are not receiving the timely treatment interventions they may need for appropriate management of their musculoskeletal injury. Delays in treatment for these types of injuries could thus contribute to the substantial economic losses that employers face and may increase the worker' s risks of experiencing significant physical, emotional, and financial losses and poorer recovery outcomes (Franche et al, 2007;Bekkering et al, 2005).…”

“…Being at work in some capacity could not only help draw the injured worker' s attention away from negative issues such as pain and reduced level of function, but it could also prevent acute work-related injuries from developing into a chronic, long-term disablement (Staal et al, RECOVER as an Early Intervention Model 2005). Additionally, employers that offer timely work accommodations are generally more successful at reducing long-term work absence duration for injured employees, particularly for those employees who accept the return to work offer (Franche et al, 2007).…”

“…Furthermore, all service costs associated with receipt of their physiotherapy treatments would be directly covered by either WSBC and/or FH, regardless of the resulting decision made on the employees ' claims. RECOVER operated under the assumption that if provided with the appropriate supportive resources, prompt claim adjudication, and employer support and re-engagement, individuals would likely return to work without delay (Dawson, 2009;Franche et al, , 2007. This one-year early intervention pilot study was rolled out across all FH acute care hospitals, community care agencies, residential care facilities , and related WSBC SDLs on October 19, 2009; and will end on October 18, 2010.…”

“…Communication should be collaborative amongst all stakeholders participating in the process and the message that the injured worker receives should be consistent and aligned with keeping them attached to the workplace (Dawson, 2009;Franche et al , , 2007Frank et al , 1998;Harder & Scott, 2005). Doing so not only sets the worker' s and employer' s expectations about recovery and return to work readiness right from the start, but it could also help promote a culture of safety within the workplace .…”