ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the return-to-work of elderly injured workers. Methods: This study used the Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance from the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation. The data were collected from 3,294 samples after terminating medical service in 2017. We only used 871 samples of elderly aged 60 and over, excluding those who are self-employed and those with missing values. The independent variables were the demographic characteristics, variables related to physical status, medical intervention, and workplace, and socio-economic variables. Success or failure of return-to-work was used as the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics, a chi-square test, and a logistic regression were used to determine the factors. Results: The demographic characteristics did not affect the success of a return-to-work. However, a return-to-work was affected by pain, medical care period, ability to work, employment period, economic status, average monthly wage, and consumption. Conclusion: This study showed that the elderly with industrial injuries have characteristic factors influencing their return-to-work. Therefore differentiated work-return services are needed for elderly injured workers.