Occupational Rehabilitation

Return to work was the most frequently mentioned recovery priority across all five LMIC studies and was valued not merely for economic reasons but as a source of identity, dignity, pride, and purpose. Early recognition of high-risk individuals could improve monitoring and allocation of occupational health resources. Employment is more existentially critical in LMICs than in HICs because absent social safety nets leave disability-related income loss without economic buffer. Unemployment following amputation was described as deeply demoralising, linked to social marginalisation and a sense of purposelessness. Employer discrimination based on perceived physical incapacity was a significant barrier to re-employment, with participants rejected despite capability for light work. Cognitive and physical fatigue can impair quality of life, functional capacity, cognition, work ability, and rehabilitation needs. Referral was intended to determine rehabilitation needs or structured return-to-work planning. Cognitive and physical fatigue should be assessed separately in occupationally exposed workers with PCS. Tailored rehabilitation and workplace accommodations should account for cognitive an…