Stop Loss Time Injuries From Spiraling: Swift Return To Work Can Save Lives

When a worker finds themselves stuck at home after a workplace injury, they can feel disconnected from the world around them. Their days can become directionless without the routine of going to work and they may lose contact with their friends and colleagues from the office.

Eventually, a lack of purpose can start to set in as they go without these key social interactions.

“Injuries can turn somebody’s world upside down, and can be very upsetting,” said Mary Christiansen, CPDM, senior manager of legal and workers’ compensation and disability management at Southern California Edison.

“They’re not used to being at home. They want to be out working. They have a reduced income. They’re sitting on the couch and they’re getting out of shape. Their family dynamics change, because now they are at home and they aren’t seeing themselves as the big breadwinner.”

These changing dynamics can cause physical injuries, like a broken bone or sprained wrist, to bring on psychological injuries such as depression.