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Predictors of Sustained Return to Work After Work-Related Injury or Disease: Insights from Workers’ Compensation Claims Records

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Abstract

Aim After work-related injury or disease, multiple spells of work absences and unsuccessful return to work (RTW) are common. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of sustained RTW and work disability recurrences. Methods Australian WorkSafe Victoria claims containing income compensation payments starting between January 1st, 2001 and December 31st, 2004 (n = 59,526) were analysed over a 2-year observation window. Time until first RTW and final RTW, and ‘recurrences’ (cessations of payments of >7 days), were derived from claims payments data. Regression models were used relating demographic, occupational, workplace and injury characteristics to RTW outcomes. Results Although 94% of claimants had at least one RTW, only 79% achieved sustained RTW during follow-up. Median time until first RTW was 50 days; median time until final RTW was 91 days. Independent predictors of delayed final RTW were older age, afflictions involving the neck or multiple locations, and working in manufacturing. Of those who returned to work, 37% had at least one recurrence: risk factors were ages 35–55, female sex, working as a labourer, working in manufacturing, traumatic joint/ligament or muscle/tendon injury and musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases, and afflictions involving the neck or multiple locations. Conclusions Work disability recurrences are common and have considerable impact on sustained RTW outcomes. A policy focus on education about secondary prevention may help improve long-term RTW outcomes, particularly for persons with musculoskeletal disorders and those working in manufacturing.

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Acknowledgments

This study is based on administrative claims data from the Compensation Research Database held at the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (Victoria, Australia). The research was supported by funding from WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Conflict of interest

There was no conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Building 70 Clayton Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Janneke Berecki-Gisolf & Roderick J. McClure

  2. Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Fiona J. Clay & Alex Collie

Authors
  1. Janneke Berecki-Gisolf
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  2. Fiona J. Clay
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  3. Alex Collie
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  4. Roderick J. McClure
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Correspondence to Janneke Berecki-Gisolf.

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Berecki-Gisolf, J., Clay, F.J., Collie, A. et al. Predictors of Sustained Return to Work After Work-Related Injury or Disease: Insights from Workers’ Compensation Claims Records. J Occup Rehabil 22, 283–291 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-011-9344-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-011-9344-y

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