ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the job retention of injured workers. Methods: From November 2014 to August 2016, 92 injured workers attending a return-to-work program at C hospital in Gyeongsangnam-do were recruited. We investigated the socio-demographic factors and the factors related to industrial accidents, companies, and the return-to-work program affecting their job retention. Results: There was a correlation between job retention and age, which is a socio-demographic factor. The period of medical service after an industrial accident, pain severity, and the factors of an industrial accident showed a significant effectiveness with regard to job retention. Moreover, employment status and work intensity, which are factors related to a company, showed an influence on job retention. In particular, the initial result of the work capacity and start time on work hardening were associated with job retention. However, there was no relation between duration of work hardening and job retention. Conclusion: This study suggests that a younger age, shorter sick leave, lower amount of pain, lower work intensity, better initial result of work capacity, earlier start on a return-to-work program, and a regular position have advantage in injured worker returning to work.