Abstract

In Canada, a large number of workers sustain musculoskeletal injuries that keep them away from work for long periods, resulting in significant human and financial costs. Also, absenteeism from work has a considerable impact on the productivity of Canadian companies. Through a program of gradual return to work, whose effectiveness has been demonstrated, these individuals’ return to work can be facilitated. During this program, however, it is difficult for clinicians to decide on the acceptable difference between an individual’s capacities and the requirements of his work, in order to promote the most sustainable and healthy return to work possible.

A tool will be developed to help clinicians evaluate workers’ margin of manoeuvre in their work, during a gradual return to work program. This tool will then be tested on a small number of clinicians and workers in order to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. The tool will help workers, for whom the return to work will be made easier; companies, which will thus be able to benefit from an employee who returns to work in better health; and clinicians, who will have a tool for improving their practice. Finally, this study will help to improve services offered in the field of occupational rehabilitation.