A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Associated With Early Offer and Acceptance of a Work Accommodation Following an Occupational Musculoskeletal Injury

Objective: To identify factors associated with offer and acceptance of work accommodation. Methods: In 401 claimants with musculoskeletal injuries, two logistic regressions identified individual and workplace factors associated with work accommodation offer and acceptance. Results: Unionized status,strong disability management policies and practices, low supervisor support, and pink collar occupation were associated with work accommodation offer.,job tenure over 1 year and lighter physical work. were associated with acceptance. Younger age and more repetitive physical work demands were positively associated with both outcomes. Pink.-collar status was positively associated with offers, but negatively with acceptance. Gender, mental health, pain, job satisfaction, firm size, people-oriented culture, safety climate, and ergonomic practices were not significant predictors. Conclusions: One month post-injury, workplace factors and age are determinants of offer and acceptance of work accommodation, while individual health factors play no significant role. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009,51:969-983)