Other situations where prolonged absence is more likely |
  
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Other situations where prolonged absence is more likely |
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Prior work absence
An individual who has had prior episodes of work absence, such as a period of months off work with an elbow strain, is more likely to have extended absence with further conditions.
An exception to this is that on some occasions people learn from their experience and are more proactive with return to work and dealing with further health problems.
Specific Conditions
Certain medical conditions are associated with longer times and slower return to work.
For example:
| • | Disc prolapse |
| • | An acute full thickness tear of the rotator cuff mechanism at the shoulder |
| • | Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. |
People with multiple conditions are also more likely to have prolonged work absence.
This may reflect a more severe injury, or may reflect the person's attitudes and approach to the situation. |
Depression is a two edged sword. Depression can be helped by a person returning to work and everyday activities. However, a depressed person has greater difficulty doing these things because of the other invariably reduced motivation levels. Taking on basic day to day tasks becomes more difficult, and the problems of returning to work can be overwhelming. Depression is common in long term work injuries, and has a major negative impact on return to work. |
Drug and alcohol problems can be major impediments to return to work. A person under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be impaired, and daily routines lost. |
What's next?
Passive approach / low self esteem / poor self efficacy
A person who reports multiple injuries, e.g. back and shoulder, or knee and back and neck, is more likely to have delayed return to work.