Citation

Dyrkacz AP, Mak LY, Heck CS. Can. J. Occup. Ther. 2012; 79(4): 237-247.

Affiliation

University Health Network, 3E-400 Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8. andrea.dyrkacz@uhn.on.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23210373

Abstract

BACKGROUND: No studies investigate work-related injuries experienced by Canadian occupational therapists. PURPOSE: To identify the nature and prevalence of work-related injuries, impact of practice context, cultural and structural factors that influence response to these injuries, and strategies used to manage return-to-work after injury. METHODS: Members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists were sent an electronic survey in June 2009. FINDINGS: Over half of the 600 respondents reported at least one injury episode. Patient-handling and equipment-related incidents accounted for the largest proportion of injuries. Almost one-third of respondents reported being threatened at work or experiencing workplace violence. IMPLICATIONS: Injured occupational therapists tended to minimize the extent and impact of their injuries by underreporting incidents and continuing to work after injury. These behaviours may contribute to a failure to recognize the reality of work-related injuries in occupational therapy practice and thereby limit the development of profession-specific, risk-minimization strategies.

Language: en