...asked by many older workers. Many of us have asked ourselves the same question, whether it's a choice between taking the stairs or the elevator, doing that extra set of reps at the gym, or getting out of bed after pulling a back muscle. It is also likely that the decision you would have made at age 20 is not the same decision that you would make at age 45.
What factors go into making these decisions? More importantly, how can employers and insurers use their understanding of this decision making process to improve the outcomes of WC claims for their older employers?
In a 2004 study conducted at the Krannert School of Physical Therapy of the University of Indianapolis, Stikeleather found three reoccuring themes in older workers (defined as workers over the age of 45) that influenced whether or not an injured worker would decide to push themselves or protect themselves in regards to returning to work after a work-related injury.
Employer Support and Work Flexibility
It's no surprise that employers have a great influence on an injured worker's perceived ability to return to work. The aforementioned study reports an employer's timely completion of the appropriate paperwork and their willingness to accommodate modified duty work restrictions may result in more injured workers deciding to push themselves as opposed to protecting themselves.
Continued Health Problems
Participants in the study reported that residual pain and disability associated with their work injuries was an important factor in their decision to push or protect themselves. Employers can address this factor by ensuring that their injured employees receive prompt, appropriate and quality medical care. Having a nurse case manager assigned may also help to ensure that the medical providers are taking the injured worker's age and physical condition into consideration. Again, what one could do at the age of 20 is likely not the same as what they could do at the age of 45. Preventing or limiting the impact of residual problems related to the work injury will have a positive impact on the injured worker's decision and motivation to return to work. It is also important to consider that reducing residual impairment will lower or reduce an injured worker's permanency or impairment rating as well as the chances of a reccurence.
Financial Distress
Money is a motivator, let's be honest. Does it motivate injured workers to stay out of work or push themselves to return to work? The study found that older workers' retirement prospects strongly influenced this decision. Some workers interviewed needed to continue to work and contribute to their pensions, while others ended up filing for SSDI until they were eligibile for Social Security Old Age benefits. Other participants in the study reported returning to work at reduced wages in exchange for "lighter" work. Employers can assist injured workers by filing the proper paperwork to ensure prompt payment of wages and medical bills, as well as offering modified duty or alternative work assignments at equal or lower wage payments. Many states have varying requirements for modified duty and wages, so check with your Eastern claim representative for details. Also, many states have provisions for Temporary Partial Disability payments which pick up a percentage of the difference between an injured worker's pre-injury earnings and their reduced earnings after a work injury.
To push or protect?
Older injured workers have concerns that may differ from those of younger workers regarding work flexibility, continued health problems, and financial distress. Pushing or protecting oneself is a delicate balance. These concerns greatly impact the outcome of WC claims. A comprehensive RTW program like that provided by ecovery will address each of these concerns and result in better outcomes for employers and employees alike.
Source: Stikeleather, H. (2004). An older worker's decision to "push or protect self" following a work-related injury. Work, 22, 139-144.
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