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[Disability pension after a factory close-down--eight years after]
1Institutt for allmennmedisin, Blindern, Oslo.
Summary
A study of former shipyard workers granted disability pensions found most were alive and satisfied with their benefits. However, many could have continued working if the factory remained open, highlighting the challenges of disability transition.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Social Medicine
Context:
- Follow-up study of 97 individuals granted disability pensions post-shipyard closure in 1987-1988.
- Assessed long-term outcomes, health status, and satisfaction with disability benefits.
- Predominant diagnoses included musculoskeletal complaints, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the long-term health and socioeconomic outcomes of workers who received disability pensions after a major industrial closure.
- To assess the impact of shipyard closure on the well-being and continued employability of former workers.
- To estimate the proportion of disability benefit applications that might be refused under current, more restrictive eligibility criteria.
Summary:
- Of 97 individuals studied, 82 were alive in 1995, reporting good health and satisfaction with their disability pensions.
- Despite satisfaction, many believed they could have continued working had the shipyard not closed, particularly younger individuals who faced initial difficulties.
- Applying current, stricter disability benefit rules, an estimated 25% of these applications would have been denied.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the long-term consequences of industrial closures on worker health and financial security.
- Highlights the importance of considering continued employability and the challenges of transitioning to disability benefits.
- Suggests a potential reduction in disability benefit awards under more stringent eligibility criteria, impacting future recipients.