Return to Work and Ripple Effects on Family of Precariously Employed Injured Workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sociology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Work-related injuries affect not only workers but also their families.
• Precarious employment adds complexity to the impact of work injuries on family life.
• Existing research lacks understanding of how work injuries affect families of precariously employed individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impacts of work-related injury or illness on families of precariously employed workers.
• To investigate how compensation and return to work (RTW) processes affect these families.
• To understand the role of family members in the injury and recovery process.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with fifteen precariously employed injured workers in Ontario.
• Recruitment through online advertising, injured worker groups, and social media.
• Situational analysis to examine family member involvement and effects.

Main Results:

• Precariously employed workers experienced conflict between employers and workers' compensation systems.
• Workers' mental health and well-being deteriorated due to injury and RTW difficulties.
• Family financial security and daily routines were disrupted; some families provided support, while others dissolved.

Conclusions:

• Work injuries among precariously employed individuals have profound and complex effects on family life and relationships.
• Income and employment insecurity amplify the ripple effects of work injuries on families.
• The study highlights the vulnerability of families when a precariously employed worker experiences injury and challenges with RTW.