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Assignment 5- Injured At Work

Anu Thomas
Human Resource Management, York University
CHSR1040 Occupational Health and Safety Management, Fall 2023 Section 4
Shraddha Wilfred
May 27, 2024
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Injured At Work

Physical Impact

Sustaining a back injury that leads to a hernia and requires surgery can significantly

affect an employee’s physical health. Initially, they are likely to endure considerable pain and

physical restrictions, making everyday movements and tasks difficult. The post-

surgery recovery phase is often characterized by discomfort and limited mobility, necessitating

careful management and rest. The surgery itself is demanding on the body, and restoring full

back functionality usually requires a rigorous physical therapy program. This therapy is essential

for rebuilding the strength and flexibility of your back muscles, but it can be a lengthy and

challenging process. Long-term recovery might also mean adjusting to chronic pain or

permanent limitations, impacting daily life and overall quality of life.

Emotional Impact

Experiencing a significant injury can be emotionally difficult, often causing anxiety,

depression, and frustration due to the physical restrictions and uncertainty about recovery.

The stress of not knowing if or when you'll fully recover can heavily burden your mental health.

Additionally, being unable to work and follow your routine can lead to feelings of

purposelessness, intensifying emotional distress. Physical limitations can affect your self-esteem

and body image, making it hard to maintain a positive outlook. Prolonged periods of limited

mobility and time off work can also result in social isolation and loneliness, further impacting

your emotional well-being which can further lead to overthinking and frustrated

moods which even affect the whole environment.

Financial Impact

Taking four weeks off work can significantly impact one’s finances. Depending on

your employer's policies and the extent of workers' compensation coverage, your income might

be reduced during this period, leading to financial strain. This issue is further compounded by

rising medical expenses for treatment, medication, and therapy. The interruption in earnings can

jeopardize long-term financial stability, particularly if the injury results in permanent

disability. This could require a shift in the career path and lower overall earning potential,

heightening financial stress and making it harder to meet the financial obligations and daily or

monthly financial needs if I am the sole earning person in the household it will impact the whole

household situation very badly as the there are people who’s depending on you along with bills

and expenses which can even lead you into debt.

Support from Employer

To ensure a smooth recovery and successful return to work after surgery, employers must

offer comprehensive assistance. This starts with providing adequate paid leave to recover

without financial strain, along with the flexibility to extend leave if needed (Rehab,

2023). Introducing a gradual return-to-work strategy is vital, allowing for a phased approach

with reduced hours or adjusted duties to accommodate physical limitations. Workplace

modifications, such as supplying ergonomic tools and ensuring accessibility, are essential to

minimize physical strain and support the recovery process.

Addressing emotional well-being is equally critical, with access to counseling services

and support groups to handle the psychological effects of the injury (Rehab, 2023). Financial
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support, including salary continuation and extensive health insurance coverage, can ease

financial worries during recovery, allowing employees to prioritize their health.

Maintaining communication with employees throughout their recovery is

crucial. This includes offering suitable work options that match their abilities and previous pay

levels. Employers should prioritize employee safety and well-being, fostering an environment

that promotes both physical and emotional recovery. By offering holistic assistance and keeping

communication lines open, employers can facilitate a smooth transition back to work, ultimately

benefiting the health and productivity of their staff.

Role of Government, Employer, and Workers' Compensation Board

Government: The government plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and aiding

injured workers through legislation and public healthcare initiatives. They enforce laws that

protect the rights of injured workers, such as mandatory leave and anti-discrimination

regulations, while also providing accessible healthcare services and financial assistance for

medical treatment (Rehab, 2023). Additionally, they fund and endorse rehabilitation and

vocational training programs to assist injured workers in returning to work.

Employer: Employers hold the responsibility of cultivating a safe work environment and

enacting policies that assist injured workers. This includes implementing return-to-work

programs and offering flexible work arrangements. Effective communication is vital, requiring

employers to maintain open and supportive dialogue with injured employees during their

recovery process. Providing training to managers and staff on supporting colleagues returning

from injury is also essential.

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB/WSIB): The WCB/WSIB oversees

the workers' compensation system and efficiently handles claims to provide prompt financial

support to injured workers (PhD,2022). The WCB/WSIB intervenes in disputes concerning

a worker's abilities or assigned tasks and evaluates re-employment obligations for compliance.

Through these measures, the WCB/WSIB ensures injured workers receive comprehensive

support, benefits, and accommodations for successful reintegration into the workplace.

Collaboration among these entities is crucial to guarantee you receive the essential

support, benefits, and accommodations for your injury recovery and successful reintegration into

the workplace (PhD,2022). Healthcare initiatives like the Occupational Health Assessment

Program (OHAP) are designed to provide prompt access to specialized healthcare services,

offering a clear and efficient continuum of care for workers affected by workplace injuries or

illnesses. Through occupational health hubs located throughout the province, this

program offers assessment and consultation services to assist decision-makers in diagnosing,

determining causation, recommending treatment, and evaluating functional

abilities. (“Administrative Practice Document: Return-To-Work Considerations | WSIB”, 2021)

REFERENCE

“Administrative Practice Document: Return-To-Work Considerations | WSIB.” Www.wsib.ca,

Nov. 2021, www.wsib.ca/en/administrative-practice-document-return-work-

considerations.

PhD, Rob Dickerman, DO. “Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain Relief.” Spine-Health, 2022,

www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/physical-therapy-low-back-pain-

relief.

Rehab, Backneck. “Tips for Maximizing Results from Your Back Injury Rehab.” Pain Clinic

Calgary, 31 May 2023, backneckrehab.com/tips-for-maximizing-results-from-your-back-

injury-rehab/. Accessed 27 May 2024.

“Your Return-To-Work Responsibilities | WSIB.” Www.wsib.ca, www.wsib.ca/en/injured-or-ill-

people/return-work/your-return-work-responsibilities.