Funding Agency: OHSAH
Timeline: June 2008 to March 2009

Objective: The objectives of this review of systematic reviews were to:

1. Identify and describe the type, time, and location of interventions that have a positive effect in reducing worker injury and disability after a musculoskeletal injury (MSI).
2. Summarize main messages from the best available evidence for MSI-related injury and disability prevention in workers.
3. Present further directions to stakeholders to help bridge the gap between research findings and prevention practices currently in place.

Electronic databases were searched for good quality scientific reviews published between July 2003 and June 2008. A total of 21 reviews were found and their main points and findings were summarized according to an OHS framework.

Findings: The systematic reviews analyzed in this review included a variety of key findings:

• Type of Intervention: There were a number of interventions mentioned in the literature. Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work interventions are the most widely practiced (Shaw, 2008 & Liddle, 2007). Multidisciplinary interventions are also effective, especially on chronic back pain duration (Van Geen, 2007 & Karjalainen, 2003).
• Time of Intervention: Early intervention and the detailed delegation of key roles and responsibilities are central in ensuring a smooth-flowing intervention program.
• Location of Intervention: Most interventions are integrated between workplace and the healthcare system, and communication between all parties is necessary for the intervention to move smoothly (ACOEM, 2006 & Franche, 2005).
• Main Messages from Best Available Evidence: Stakeholder involvement is extremely important and communication between workers, employers, and stakeholders is needed in the RTW process.

Principal Investigator: Hannah Rose, OHSAH
Co-Investigators: Dr. Jaime Guzman, OHSAH; Noushin Khushrushahi, OHSAH