How often are people actually injured?
Getting injured inside or outside of work is very common, especially in Australia’s ageing working population. In 2022, there were over 490 000 Australian workers injured, with the highest rate of injuries occurring in those aged between 55-59 years of age (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
There are many types of illnesses and injuries that can affect your ability to work, including:
- physical injuries— sprains, strains, fractures, industrial hearing loss
- psychological injuries —stress, depression, PTSD
- diseases— diabetes, epilepsy, cancer
- exacerbation of a pre-existing condition e.g. chronic lower back pain
The most common type of workplace injuries were sprains, strains and dislocations, largely occurring from pushing, pulling, lifting or bending (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Why is it important to return to work after injury?
It is important to return to work promptly after injury. Research from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians tells us that the longer a worker has off work, the less likely they are to return. For example, if you’re off work for:
- 20 days – 70% chance of returning to work
- 45 days – 50% chance of returning to work
- 70 days – 35% chance of returning to work (Work Safe Australia, 2020)
Returning to work following an injury can be daunting, however, it can also help the worker regain routine and confidence, an active lifestyle and reduce emotional and financial stress.
From an employer’s perspective, having an injured worker return early to work will keep them engaged, productive and will mean that they are less likely to have excess time off work.
Returning to work after injury could look like:
- Reduced working hours or shifts eg reducing the average time of a shift, or working 1 less day a week
- Modified work duties e.g. no lifting >5kg overhead, avoid prolonged standing
- Returning to a different role that is less physical e.g. administrative, supervisory
How to return to work safely
The specific guidelines for returning to work after an injury may vary depending on the type of injury and the job requirements. However, here are some general guidelines to follow:
Consult and follow up with a healthcare professional: Before returning to work, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a physiotherapist, to ensure that you are physically ready to resume work duties.Continue to follow up with your healthcare professional to ensure that you are progressing and that your work duties are not causing further injury. They will also help you to:
- Use functional assessments to guide the return-to-work process. Functional assessments are tests that measure your physical abilities and limitations. Your healthcare professional may use these tests to determine the types of work duties you can safely perform.
- Encourage communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals, employers, and workers. A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders can help ensure a successful return to work after injury.
- Follow a graded exercise program: your physiotherapist will be able to make a structured exercise program that gradually increases in intensity over time. This type of program can help you build strength and endurance, which can make it easier to perform your work duties.
- Communicate with your employer: Discuss your injury and work restrictions with your employer before returning to work. This will help your employer make any necessary accommodations and adjust your work duties accordingly.
- Gradual return: It is generally recommended to gradually return to work, starting with light duties and gradually increasing the workload as you become more comfortable and able to handle the tasks. This is something your healthcare professional can help you with.
- Take breaks: It is important to take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion and to allow time for rest and recovery.
- Be mindful of your body: Be aware of any pain or discomfort while at work and modify your duties as necessary to prevent further injury.
Consider workplace accommodations: Your employer may need to make some accommodations to help you return to work safely, such as modifying your workstation or adjusting your work schedule.
Remember, it is important to prioritise your health and safety while returning to work after an injury. Take the time to properly recover before resuming work duties and communicate with your employer to ensure a smooth transition back to work.
Overall, returning to work after injury requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the individual’s physical abilities, work duties, and work environment. By following evidence-based guidelines and working with a healthcare professional, workers can safely and effectively return to work after injury.
If you are feeling stuck on how to return back to work after an injury, get in contact with Employ Health – our physiotherapists are here to help!