Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Analyzing the return-to-work movement


The journal New Solutions has just published an article entitled “Not Quite a Win–Win: The Corporate Agenda of the Stay at Work/Return to Work Project” (SAW/RTW). This article interrogates the recent interest in returning injured workers to work as quickly as possible by examining why workers don’t SAW/RTW and who really benefits from such prescriptions.

This narrative anchors itself on the notion that there are unnecessarily disabled workers drawing compensation from insurance providers. The author suggests that proponents of SAW/RTW are colonizing the (laudable) idea that workers with disabilities are still capable of work, in order to reduce the costs of injury compensation borne by employers.

The article then goes on to provide some analysis of who is involved in the “grassroots” SAW/RTW movement in the states. Spoiler: Not workers, unions or their attorneys (the latter two groups being deemed impediments to communicating with injured workers about SAW/RTW). Treating physicians also appear to be on the outside, perhaps because their primary interest is in the injured worker getting better, not necessarily returning to work quickly.

Overall, an interesting perspective on what some suggest is a media-friendly retreading of the old malingering-worker school of thought.

-- Bob Barnetson

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Please sign this E-Petition and pass it on, it is located at: http://www.yousign.org/en/InjuredVsGovernment

Petition text

This E-Petition is to motion to have the WCB(Workers Compensation Boards) through Canada investigated for inappropriate procedures that leave injured workers further physically, mentally and emotionally injured.

Every Canadian no matter what province should have equal compensation for injuries. For example, Alberta and now Manitoba in January 1 2016 has recognized PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder). One that meets the PTSD presumptive coverage which applies to all workers covered by workers compensation in Manitoba and recognizes that PTSD-triggering events can happen in "ANY" workplace to be recognized as just that and with recognition in "ANY" province, available to anybody that pays it's costs.

Procedures that are inadequate and leave the injured worker(s) further hurt, as they are being put back to work with excessive damage to do more damage to themselves

Levels of medications that have to be prescribed due to WCB's refusal to perceive injury(s) of the worker(s) that leave the worker(s) operating dangerous equipment and driving in a highly medicated states

Rules and regulations of disciplinary actions that fall beyond the injured worker(s) abilities that leave their claims terminated

Proper representation for the injured work(s) without representation, being given as those without are falling victim to procedures, rules and regulations such as reimbursement, time lines, treatments, etc.

Respectfully, Joe Knipfel