Abstract

Relapses occur in approximately 6% of CSST-compensated occupational injuries. Almost one-quarter of these cases are accompanied by multiple relapses, prolonged work absences, and/or rehabilitation, resulting in significant compensation costs. The mean duration of work absence for injuries with relapse is 218 days, compared to 47 days for injuries with no relapse. This study used CSST data from 1991 to identify high-risk populations and determine the influence of the nature and site of the injury, industrial sector, and workers' age, sex, occupation, and area of residence on the risk of single and multiple relapse, work absence and relapses requiring rehabilitation. The results indicate that back problems account for more than one-third of relapsing injuries and is one of the injuries requiring the most rehabilitation. Joint injuries involving the elbow, knee, wrist, and shoulder have a high probability of multiple relapse. Women are at a proportionately higher risk of relapse than men, and age increases the risk of relapse in both sexes (in women aged 35-54 and men aged 45-54). The highest risk of relapse was observed in the tertiary (services, commerce, administration), mining, textile, and clothing sectors. Construction workers exhibited the most serious rehabilitation problems.