Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
Mental health, sickness absence prevention and return to work

Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
Mental health, sickness absence prevention and return to work

Mental health, sickness absence prevention, return to work

Mental health problems constitute a major occupational health problem causing substantial productivity losses. In line with the central theme of this conference, in this talk I will highlight solutions. Which strategies can prevent workers from developing mental health problems? Which interventions enhance return to work once mental health problems occur? What are the challenges and new avenues for future occupational healthcare? Prevention of sickness absence The WHO framework guides workplaces in creating a working environment that promotes, supports and protects the mental and social wellbeing of all workers. Nevertheless, additional strategies are needed, such as selective prevention, targeting groups at high-risk of developing mental health problems. These can be occupational groups such as healthcare workers and teachers, but also workers with informal care responsibilities. An alternative approach is indicated prevention, screening for early indicators o f mental ill health in workers. I will review methods to identify high-risk workers along with the evidence on the effectiveness of preventive interventions based on these assessments. Return-to-work strategies Evidence on effective return-to-work strategies is accumulating. In a review including over 12,000 depressed workers, the
combination of symptom treatment and support with work was most effective and reduced sick leave with 25 days over one year. The strategies for early identification of workers at risk of a late return to work are emerging. However,effective interventions for vulnerable groups such as precarious workers are still lacking.

Karen Nieuwenhuijsen

Elsevier Korea LLC

January 2022

Sri Wahyuni

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Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022