Return To Work Case Study Essay

The worker complained of mismanagement of her return-to-work programme, including inappropriate exposure to the client that had assaulted her, physically unsuitable duties, and poor communication between staff who appeared unaware of her problems and needs. The worker reported constant and moderately severe central lower back pain that radiated up her spine to the dorsal back and down through the groin and core of her thigh on the right only. The report notes no lower limb neurological symptoms, but right knee pain, swelling and clicking and similar symptoms in the left that the worker attributed to overcompensating. The worker reported being significantly physically debilitated because of her aches and pains, and had a reduced tolerance to activities including sitting, standing, walking, and exerting force with her upper limbs. The assessment states that the worker experienced significant limitations in her capacity to undertake domestic chores, and fatigue after work or those limited domestic chores was recurrently reported. The worker reported being able to drive the necessary distances with lumbar support but the stiff suspension of her vehicle provoked back pain. The worker reported poor sleep due to pain and worry. The clinical assessment of the worker's lumbopelvis, lower limbs, neck and shoulder noted no
The report states that the worker had several incidences that occurred at work since 2011 that contributed to her current condition. In 2011, the worker was called incompetent by a senior worker, and in 2012 was hit by a bottle. Another client she had been transporting had become physically and verbally abusive. The worker told Dr Lim that she was very pressured and stressed at work as her role changed often without adequate training. The worker was seeing psychologist Kate Brooks and not on any