Associations between workers’ compensation and self-harm: a retrospective case-series study of hospital admissions data

King, Tania; Disney, George; Sutherland, Georgina; Kavanagh, Anne; Spittal, Matthew J; Simons, Koen

doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100614

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(47 reference statements)

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“…In Australia, elevated rates of hospital admission for self-harm have been observed among workers' compensation claimants. 92 Other research from Australia has highlighted the stress of workplace injury compensation systems for injured workers, 93 and Canadian work supports this, identifying that the compensation process contributed to the stress to a greater extent than the injury itself. 94 A more recent study of Australian police and emergency services workers found that 8% of employees making a claim reported a positive experience, contrasted with 70% who reported a poor experience; further two-thirds of those who made a claim reported that the process was unsupportive and stressful, and over half reported that it had an overall negative impact on their recovery.…”

Section: Adverse Experiences Arising From Workrelated Injury or Illnessmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Worker's compensation processes may also contribute to distress and suicidality among injured workers. In Australia, elevated rates of hospital admission for self‐harm have been observed among workers' compensation claimants 92 . Other research from Australia has highlighted the stress of workplace injury compensation systems for injured workers, 93 and Canadian work supports this, identifying that the compensation process contributed to the stress to a greater extent than the injury itself 94 .…”

Section: Epidemiologic Approaches To Determining Work‐relatednessmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Work‐related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention

LaMontagne,

Åberg,

Blomqvist

et al. 2024

American J Industrial Med

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Previously published analyses of suicide case investigations suggest that work or working conditions contribute to 10%–13% of suicide deaths. Yet, the way in which work may increase suicide risk is an underdeveloped area of epidemiologic research. In this Commentary, we propose a definition of work‐related suicide from an occupational health and safety perspective, and review the case investigation‐based and epidemiologic evidence on work‐related causes of suicide. We identified six broad categories of potential work‐related causes of suicide, which are: (1) workplace chemical, physical, and psychosocial exposures; (2) exposure to trauma on the job; (3) access to means of suicide through work; (4) exposure to high‐stigma work environments; (5) exposure to normative environments promoting extreme orientation to work; and (6) adverse experiences arising from work‐related injury or illness. We summarise current evidence in a schema of potential work‐related causes that can also be applied in workplace risk assessment and suicide case investigations. There are numerous implications of these findings for policy and practice. Various principle‐ and evidence‐based workplace intervention strategies for suicide prevention exist, some of which have been shown to improve suicide‐prevention literacy, reduce stigma, enhance helping behaviours, and in some instances maybe even reduce suicide rates. Prevailing practice in workplace suicide prevention, however, overly emphasises individual‐ and illness‐directed interventions, with little attention directed to addressing the working conditions that may increase suicide risk. We conclude that a stronger emphasis on improving working conditions will be required for workplace suicide prevention to reach its full preventive potential.

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Section: Adverse Experiences Arising From Workrelated Injury or Illnessmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Epidemiologic Approaches To Determining Work‐relatednessmentioning

confidence: 98%

Work‐related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention

LaMontagne,

Åberg,

Blomqvist

et al. 2024

American J Industrial Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Childhood cognitive ability and self-harm and suicide in later life

Iveson,

Ball,

Whalley

et al. 2024

SSM - Population Health

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Workplace Injury Compensation and Mental Health and Self-Harm Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Wadhwa,

Taouk,

Spittal

et al. 2024

New Solut

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Workers’ compensation systems aim to financially support injured workers. However, seeking compensation often leads to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This review examines previous studies to investigate the relationship between workers’ compensation and mental health and self-harm outcomes. A three-tiered search strategy across five databases identified studies that examined workers’ compensation claims as an exposure or risk factor, with outcomes related to mental health, self-harm and suicidality. Nine full-text studies were included; however, heterogeneity limited generalizability. Most studies supported an association between pursuing compensation and poorer mental health and self-harm outcomes. Some studies attributed this to specific aspects of the system such as justice perception and navigation of the claims system. Findings suggest an association between workers’ compensation and mental health or self-harm outcomes. Inconclusive findings highlight the need for further research. Understanding the psychiatric impacts of pursuing compensation is crucial to help formulate a more accessible compensation system.

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Associations between workers’ compensation and self-harm: a retrospective case-series study of hospital admissions data

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

Work‐related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention

Work‐related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention

Childhood cognitive ability and self-harm and suicide in later life

Workplace Injury Compensation and Mental Health and Self-Harm Outcomes: A Systematic Review

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