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There are certain risk factors that can be used to predict whether an absence from work may become long term.  The strongest prediction tool is the injured worker’s own idea of when they can return to work.  If the worker does not feel they can return to work, a proactive management approach will be needed, including help working on their motivation and self confidence. Other factors that can increase time off work include whether the person’s mobility is reduced, or if they report job stress.  Identify the source of stress.  If it is found in the workplace negotiate to reduce the cause.  Reducing stress will make the workplace safer for everyone and get injured workers back to work more quickly. Below is a questionnaire to measure the risk of long term absence.

The more 'Yes' answers, and the longer the absence, the higher the risk of work disability.

What's next?
Getting medical care