It can be tempting to return to work as soon as possible after an illness or injury. Dr. Farhan Shahzad explains why it’s best to be careful when getting back on the tools.

Tradies are prone to work-related illness or injury simply because of the nature of their work. Examples of illnesses and injuries include physical injuries such as cuts and lacerations, fractures and sprains, burns, eye injuries and potential hearing loss.

Tradies are also at risk of musculoskeletal disorders such as back injuries, joint and muscle strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. They can get respiratory conditions such as silicosis, asthma, asbestosis and other chronic or acute illnesses, as well as the risk of chemical exposure that can lead to poisoning, dermatitis and in rare cases, cancer.

As a result of their work, and the risk of exposure, tradies may need to take time off to recover from illnesses or injuries. Returning to work can be stressful, but it need not be if certain measures are taken. Here are some steps to take:

The first step

The first step in returning to work is acknowledging the impact that the illness or injury has had on the body and mind. Things may have changed and there may need to be adjustments. Acknowledging limitations is key to a successful transition. If you ignore this, you may worsen symptoms and delay recovery. For this reason, a gradual return to work is often the best course of action.

Communication

A tradie with an illness or injury may not be able to do everything they could before the illness or injury. A doctor, such as an occupational health physician, will assess symptoms and provide instructions on what a person should and should not do. This needs to be carefully communicated with the employer, which means open and honest communication regarding health status and what work-related restrictions may be needed. Employers will often modify duties, adjust work hours and provide additional support and resources to help manage a transition back to work.

A “graded return” or gradual return to work can be beneficial. This involves slowly increasing an employee’s workload and hours over a period of time, allowing the body to adapt to the physical demands of a job. Working with a doctor and employer and keeping lines of communication open, is essential for a successful return to work.

Continued support

Occupational health services, such as those provided by an occupational and environmental physician, can help assess fitness to work. They will also assess the working environment and suggest adjustments that need to be made.

If there is a need to manage ongoing symptoms, the individual must take onboard their doctor’s feedback. This may look like ongoing physical rehabilitation and working with allied health professionals who can tailor a plan to suit their needs.

Since returning to work after an illness or injury can be challenging, especially if an extended absence has been the case, then the employee may need additional help to manage their mental health. It is normal to experience anxiety and stress when making adjustments, but big life changes can also lead to adjustment disorder, which is an acute form of stress. If this is the case, a referral to a mental health professional may be needed. There is something to be said about having a support network, so make sure there are family and friends to lean on. Should this not exist, a good peer support program is a must.

Finally, extended time off work can lead to financial stress. There is compensation available for those who have become ill or injured because of work. An occupational and environmental physician can assist in making a claim for workers’ compensation and help understand what a person may be entitled to.

Returning to work after an illness or injury requires careful planning and support. For tradies, the physical demands of the job add an extra layer of complexity. However, a successful return to work is achievable with the right strategies. With the help of an occupational and environmental doctor, navigating this process can be made a lot easier.