BACKGROUND Household waste collectors (HWCs) are exposed to hazardous conditions. This study investigates the patterns of workplace injuries and work-related illnesses of HWCs. METHODS This study uses cases of workplace injuries and work-related illnesses of HWCs that occurred between 2010 and 2011. We analyzed 325 cases of injuries and 36 cases of illnesses according to the workers' age, len...

While numerous efforts have attempted to provide quantitative guidelines for the prevention of initial low back disorders during material handling tasks, none have appeared in the literature that address the issue of recurrent low back disorders due to materials handling when returning to the workplace. A study comparing the spine loads of low back pain patients and asymptomatic controls was co...

BACKGROUND In New South Wales, Australia, an injured worker enters the workers compensation system with the case often managed by a pre-determined insurer. The goal of the treating practitioner is to facilitate the claimant to return to suitable duties and progress to their pre-injury status, job and quality of life. Currently, there is very little documentation on the management of injured wor...

When a worker is injured at work, he has to face a tough decision-making process about when and how to return to work (RTW). This study tests how the prospect theory can be applied to influence the injured workers' perceptions about this important choice. One hundred forty-one injured workers were presented with wage- and pain-related information in four different message framing (negatively or...

BACKGROUND Back problems are the seventh most common reason for seeking care in general practice in Australia. Despite medical advances, chronic disability from back pain is a major contributor to the burden of disease in society today. OBJECTIVE This article provides an overview of evidence based management for workers presenting with acute low back pain, with the aim of minimising the risk ...

Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of opioids to treat chronic noncancer pain. Opioids are also being prescribed in stronger potencies and larger doses for musculoskeletal injuries. In some cases, the use of opioids for work-related injuries may actually increase the likelihood of disability. Chronic opioid use is associated with increased risk for overdose morbidity and mo...

Stephen B. Judlowe, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, of New York, New York, argued for plaintiff-appellant. With him on the brief were Brian P. Murphy, Robert G. Gibbons, Esther H. Steinhauer, David Leichtman, and Timothy P. Heaton. William G. Gaede III, Cooley Godward LLP, of Palo Alto, California, argued for defendant-appellee. With him on the brief were Lori R.E. Ploeger and Michele E. Moreland. ...