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As we all know, participating in the workforce plays a key role in keeping healthy; improving self worth, esteem and identity.
The health risk of being out of work long term is greater than the risk of other killer diseases such as coronary heart disease1.
Being out of work long term can:
- be a greater risk to a person's health than some of the most dangerous jobs (Aylward, 2007)
- increase six-fold the general suicide rate (Bartley et al, 2005), or
- be similar to smoking 10 packets of cigarettes a day (Ross, 1995).
Another confronting statistic is a 50-fold increase in the suicide rate for young men out of work longer than six months (Wessely, 2004).
Not surprisingly, for most people returning to work as soon as possible after a work-related injury is the "healthiest" option.
As an injured worker's first point of contract, GPs play a vital role in helping ensure, where appropriate, that patients safely return to work.
Even returning to work part time or on modified duties brings financial and social benefits and is likely to contribute significantly to not only the ultimate return to work, but also to physical and mental health.
As Dunstan concludes "...work is generally good for people, and work absence is not. Sickness certificates should be issued with the same caution that applies to other treatments carrying significant health risk" (Dunstan, 2009).
Q: Where can my patients access information and advice if English is their second language? GP Clinic, Northern Suburbs
A: WorkCover WA provides a range of translations and interpreter services. Our website has dedicated information pages which contain a selection of our translated publications in Chinese, Malaysian, Cocos Malay, Italian, Serbian, Croatian and Vietnamese. Patients can simply scroll down to the bottom of our homepage and click on their preferred language. We also provide interpreter services - free of charge. This can be arranged within 24 hours by calling Advisory Services on 1300 794 744.
References
Aylward M. No one written off: Reforming welfare to reward responsibility. Consultation Event DWP Welfare Reform Green Paper Cardiff; 2008.
Aylward M, Waddell G. The Scientific and Conceptual Basis of Incapacity Benefits. In: The Stationary Office; 2005.
Bartley M, Sacker A, I Schoon, Kelly P, Carmona, C Work, Non-work, Job Satisfaction and Metal Health. Evidence Review. Health Development Agency, March 2005 (available at www.hda.nhs.uk)
Dunstan, D. Are sickness certificates doing our patients harm? In: Australian Family Physician; January/February 2009: 61-63
Ross J. Where do real dangers lie? Smithsonian 1995;8:42‐53.
Wessely S. Mental health issues. In: Holland‐Elliot K, ed. What about the workers? Proceedings of an RSM Symposium. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press; 2004:41‐6.
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