Work Disability Facts
- A 12-week injury-related absence from work, reduces the likelihood of a person ever returning to work by 50%.1
- Family physicians’ medical curriculum does not include prevention and management of disability. 2,3
- Worklessness negatively impacts an individual's physical and mental health.4
Below are a number of links to helpful tools and other resources and to documents with more information about preventing unnecessary work absences due to a variety of factors.
References:
1ACOEM Guideline (2006). Preventing needless disability by helping people stay employed. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 48, 972-987.
2Black, C. (2008). Working for a healthier tomorrow. London: The Stationery Office.
3University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Practice Post-Graduate Program. Overview of program: http://postgrad.familymed.ubc.ca/residency/program-overview/ retrieved December, 2012
4Waddell, G., Burton, A. K., (2006). Is work good for your health and well-being? London, The Stationery Office.
Additional resource:
- Canadian Medical Association (2013). The treating physician's role in helping patients return to work after an illness or injury (update 2013). Ottawa.
Webinars: