Study Looks at Injury Opioid Use, Work Return

A new study by Ontario’s workers’ compensation system found that severe pain is the primary factor associated with opioid use after a work-related injury, regardless of the employee’s return-to-work timeline.
The Ontario Life After Work Injury Study Researchers analyzed data for nearly 1,800 workers who were interviewed 18 months after suffering an injury that resulted in an accepted workers’ compensation claim for lost time.
Findings show that 35.6% of the workers used opioids more than once in the past year. However, those who experienced severe post-injury pain were nearly three times more likely to use opioids than the participants who had mild or zero pain.
“This increased risk was found regardless of whether the injured workers felt they had to return to work too soon, or whether they were offered work accommodations upon their return,” researchers from the Institute for Work and Health observed.

Individuals who experience workplace injuries face a greater relative decline in their mental health compared with those injured outside the workplace, according to new research from the University of Manitoba.
The findings suggest workplace-related factors and the compensation process may contribute to this trend, though the academics said further research is needed.
The study, “Workplace Injury and Mental Health Outcomes,” published in JAMA Network Open, examined 7,556 individuals with workplace injuries requiring surgery, against a larger group of injured individuals from the general population.
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The latest podcast from Best’s Insurance Law series features Janine McCartney from HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation, who discusses workers’ compensation claims related to employees working from home.
Her insights include the recommendation that for employers with remote workers, key concerns regarding workers’ compensation include defining the workplace, proving injuries, setting clear work hours, and ensuring a safe work environment.
To address these concerns, employers should develop an effective remote work policy, maintain open communication, provide ergonomic support, implement clear reporting processes, consider (though with caution) virtual safety assessments, and track work hours and activities.
(Editor’s note: Podcast summary prepared using Notebook LM.)
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CorLife has signed a deal to become the exclusive distributor for the ReWalk personal exoskeleton for individuals with workers’ compensation claims.
As part of the deal, CorLife’s reimbursement team will manage all WC claims submissions for the exoskeleton.
The Israeli-made personal exoskeleton offers the ability to ascend and descend stairs and curbs.
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