BACKGROUND: Workplace safety is a concern in the employment of persons with intellectual disability, due to both real concerns for employee well-being, and the effect that negative perceptions of safety risk can have on hiring. METHOD: This study involved a retrospective analysis of workplace insurance claim records for workers with and without disability in a Canadian social enterprise. RESULTS: Workers with intellectual disability sustained fewer injuries and experienced fewer absences due to injury than workers without disability. Lost-time injury rates for this business were not significantly different from those reported by other employers in the jurisdiction. CONCLUSION: Workplace safety is a concern for all workers, but fear of increased injury rates and heightened compensation costs should not be perceived as a risk when hiring individuals with intellectual disability.
BACKGROUND: Workplace safety is a concern in the employment of persons with intellectual disability, due to both real concerns for employee well-being, and the effect that negative perceptions of safety risk can have on hiring. METHOD: This study involved a retrospective analysis of workplace insurance claim records for workers with and without disability in a Canadian social enterprise. RESULTS: Workers with intellectual disability sustained fewer injuries and experienced fewer absences due to injury than workers without disability. Lost-time injury rates for this business were not significantly different from those reported by other employers in the jurisdiction. CONCLUSION: Workplace safety is a concern for all workers, but fear of increased injury rates and heightened compensation costs should not be perceived as a risk when hiring individuals with intellectual disability.
Authors: James Price; Junxin Shi; Bo Lu; Gary A Smith; Lorann Stallones; Krista K Wheeler; Huiyun Xiang Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-06-28 Impact factor: 9.308