A new ad campaign is hoping to change the perception on recovering from a workplace injury.
‘Getting back is Part of Getting Better’, was developed by Workers Compensation Board Nova Scotia, with the other Atlantic workers’ compensation organizations.
The campaign is one part of their ongoing work to reduce the significant human and economic impacts of workplace injury in the region and to help raise awareness about compassion and support to help injured workers remain connected to their workplace.
Dr. Leisha Hawker, President of Doctor’s NS, says it’s important to stay connected to work after an injury for the social, psychological and financial benefits.
“Staying connected to work friends and workplace benefits are keys to recovery for most injured workers,” says Dr. Hawker. “Injured workers benefit from all the social, psychological, and financial benefits that come with the workplace as they move through the recovery process.”
In 2021, 5,391 Nova Scotians lost time from work due to their injuries, contributing to the total of 1,078,534 working days that were lost to workplace injury that year. This works out to 2,955 person-years, or nearly the entire town of Port Hawkesbury being off work for a year.
“Workplace injuries can drastically change lives, and in addition to the health impacts of the injury itself, disconnecting from work can take a compounding and significant tollon workers, their families, and our communities,” says Dennita Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Prevention and Return to Work for WCB Nova Scotia.
Additional Information
•While progress has been made in reducing the time lost to workplace injuries in recent years, including in key sectors likehome care and long-term care, Nova Scotians still lose more time to workplace injury than almost any other province.
•In a 2022 survey of Nova Scotians about perceptions of safety and return to work, 9 in 10 (89%) agreed that a timely andsafe return to work promotes recovery, 8 in 10 (78%) agreed that working in a different job can help them to heal, and 8 in 10 (78%) agreed that staying connected to the workplace is important when recovering from an injury.
•The “Getting back is part of getting better” campaign was produced in partnership with Atlantic Canada’s workers’ compensation organizations. By working together, the organizations are able to cost share, extend their reach, and focus on mutual workplace safety priorities for the region.
•When someone is injured at work, supporting their recovery is a shared responsibility between employers, workers, the WCBand health service providers. This includes developing a return-to-work plan, staying connected, and getting workers the support they need as they recover. Learn more at wcb.ns.ca/workingtowell.
The campaign will air this week on television and online. You can view it at View it at wcb.ns.ca/workingtowell.
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