Although many reservists have left Gaza and returned to work, there is still a long way to go as many are injured and require rehabilitation.
According to the Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Defense, a total of 5,513 wounded soldiers have been receiving treatment since October 7 to date, with an average of 60 new infections occurring per day. As of October 7, the division had treated 62,000 Israeli Defense Forces veterans from past wars and operations, 18% of whom had psychological injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). was suffering from illness.
The ministry estimates that by the end of the war – whenever that may be – a total of 78,000 Israeli Defense Forces veterans will receive treatment from the division. Almost half of those injured were between 21 and 30 years old, 36% were between 31 and 40 years old, and 18% were over 40 years old. Of those injured in the battle, 84% were diagnosed with minor injuries, 9% with slander, and 7 with serious injuries.
According to the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IIOSH), economic pressure, psychological distress and fear of aggravating wounds during the rehabilitation process are the main challenges faced by injured workers returning from the battlefield. It is said that there is. You can return to work safely.
Most reservists are expected to return to work at some point. The first aspect to consider is physiological factors. The more pain and physical limitations an affected individual reports, the slower their return to natural work will be. Therefore, they should only be allowed to return to work after the level of physical exertion required has been assessed.
Occupational functions often involve repetitive movements over long periods of time, which can worsen existing injuries. Repetitive movements and awkward postures are risk factors that require intervention, leaving injured workers worried that they will be injured again if they return to their original work situation without making any changes. .
Other factors influencing return to work
Returning to the same work environment without proper adjustment often results in reinjury. Therefore, employees must carefully determine whether they are fit to return to their original workplace or change their job or employment conditions after completion of rehabilitation.
The second factor is psychological: pain causes psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem have a significant impact on the duration of work absence. In some cases, the level of mental distress can be worse than physical functioning. A person’s perception of the work environment and self-esteem greatly influence the decision to return to work. According to IIOSH, workers with high self-esteem are more likely to return to work sooner.
The third factor is the socio-economic aspect. In most countries, especially developed countries, compensation systems for work-related accidents are well established in law. But even if treatment is covered, injured workers who lack savings or insurance can face financial strain, especially if long-term rehabilitation is required.
Additionally, workers whose monthly wages were reduced during their absence from work and whose wages were lower before their injury may take longer sick leave. Return to work is no longer solely an individual decision, but is considered the result of the interaction between worker and employer. A positive work environment and organizational environment, including work adjustments such as schedules, tasks, equipment, and ergonomic adjustments, accelerate the return-to-work process.
However, poor working conditions may prevent them from returning to work. Workers who had a negative work experience or reported a hostile work environment were slower to return to work compared to workers who had a positive work experience or a supportive work environment. There is a tendency to Social support plays an important role in helping people return to work after an injury.
“Unfortunately, the effects of the Gaza war will affect many aspects of our lives for years to come,” commented Dr. Yossi Rahamim, a labor law and employment relations expert at Ono Academic College. did. The experiences of both regular and reservist soldiers are likely to have a profound impact on their physical and mental health, and will be felt in their ability to manage relationships, family relationships, academics, and, of course, the job market.
Employers need to relearn market and worker characteristics so that they can reintegrate such employees into the workforce, and to effectively manage and support workers who have experienced war trauma. We have to put thought and resources into this so we have the tools.
Dr. Miki Winkler, IIOSH Executive Director, concluded: We can’t afford to fail. Safe rehabilitation of workers returning from the battlefield is extremely important. Upon return, a supportive work environment and safety arrangements are required to prevent further harm. We stand ready to provide employers with the Israel Defense Forces Guide to protect all our brave soldiers returning to work from the battlefield. ”
