Evidence shows an individual recovers from an injury better at work than by remaining at home. Being off work not only impacts your workers health and wellbeing, yet remaining at home can have a negative impact on their financial situation as well as relationships with colleagues, family and friends.
The longer an individual is away from work the more difficult it can be getting back to work.
There are many benefits with remaining within the workforce with an injury if you can rather when compared to staying at home. Continuing to work allows an opportunity to be part of a colleagues and connect with people who can provide emotional and social support. Continuing to work also helps keep an inured person active and being active can reduce pain.
Working promotes recovery, reduces long term disability and work loss, not to mention helping with an individual’s financial security. When working with an injury or recovering from an injury, the injured worker can discuss with their employer and support team (such as your workplace rehabilitation consultant, case manager, doctor, etc) about what they can do safely, this may include alternative or light duties until they are able to safely perform their regular duties. This can also lead to other opportunities within the business to learn new skills, gain training in other areas or the likes.
An injured worker’s support group may develop a plan for your injury management and recovery (Return to Work Plan or Work Duties Plan), which encourages the worker to participate and follow the structured plan to help with the transition to returning to their normal duties.
If a work colleague is off injured, stay in touch and support their return to work.
Need help with an injured worker? Contact us for advice or support.
For further information, please refer to:
Source: icare
Title: A recovery at work guide for workers
Read time: 5+ minutes