Researchers from Canada and Australia say injuries that occur at work may be harder on workers’ mental health than off-the-job injuries, according to Safety+Health magazine.
Researchers analyzed injury and health data from the Canadian province of Manitoba. They compared more than 7,500 people who experienced serious workplace injuries with nearly 29,000 others who were injured in a similar way outside of work.
Findings show the “mental health trajectory from the pre-injury to post-injury period was worse for individuals with a workplace injury.” Researchers say the results suggest there may be “factors unique to the workplace and/or injury claims and compensation structures that impact mental health following a workplace injury, and these should be considered in interventions and post-injury care.”
In a Feb. 13 report from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Cathy Andronis, chair of Specific Interests Psychological Medicine, said: “For many people, the workplace feels like family for them, and so injuries and their consequences feel personal and affect their relationship with both colleagues and managers, as well as their identity.”
Did you know NRCA offers mental health resources? Visit NRCA’s Mental Health webpage to learn more.
