Disability Profile

Here is a profile of an employee or claimant at high risk for a long term absence from work and who will likely require assistance to manage and prevent chronic disability:

• any absence from work greater than 6 weeks in duration
• three or more previous absences from work on short term disability and/or workers' compensation benefits
• previous absence from work and/or disability lasting more than 3 months in duration
• multiple medical diagnoses - especially psychiatric or substance abuse
• multiple health care providers involved in care
• not responding to treatment or inconsistent clinical findings
• substance abuse (alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications)
• medical statement indicating the need for work restrictions or limitations to prevent harm
• psychosocial problems and external stressors - significant loss, marital breakdown, financial problems, child care or elder care demands, criminal charges
• occupational problems - absenteeism, performance difficulties, plant downsizing, job insecurity, low seniority, limited transferable skills, interpersonal conflicts with co-workers or supervision
• perception that someone is to blame for injury/illness - work injury, accident
• allegations that they have been wronged - harassment, discrimination
• litigation or threat of legal representation