CATASTROPHIC IMPAIRMENT UPDATE (SABS)
Written on February 14, 2012 at 4:10 pm, by Webmaster
Dennis Polygenis B.Sc.PT.,MCPA
Registered Physiotherapist
Certified Impairment Rater (AMA Guides, 4th Edition)
On December 23, 2011, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the trial judge’s decision in Kusnierz v. The Economical Mutual Insurance Co. that psychological impairments should be combined with physical impairments to determine whether a motor vehicle accident victim has sustained a catastrophic impairment. This decision will likely impact the current definition of “catastrophic” impairment under the SABS and could lead to potential modifications to the definition.
Surveying Employees – The Key to Organizational Management
Written on February 6, 2012 at 4:17 pm, by Mary Crunkleton – Director of Employer Services
An organization’s best source of competitive advantage is its people. Strategies, business models, products, and services can all be copied by competitors. Talented people, by contrast, cannot be duplicated and will always set your organization apart. Achieving a competitive advantage through people requires that organizations succeed in attracting and retaining talent. This means engaging the hearts and minds of employees at all levels.
Shoulder Impingement
Written on January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm, by Dr. Jason Swain
Shoulder pain is a very common physical complaint. The ‘shoulder’ consists of various joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The shoulder sacrifices overall static stability in order to allow for greater ranges of movement. The rotator cuff is a group of 4 shoulder muscles that provide dynamic stability to the actual shoulder joint. The rotator cuff muscles originate on the shoulder blade and extend to the humerus (arm bone).
Protecting Employees’ Mental Health in the Workplace
Written on January 1, 2012 at 7:49 am, by Mary Crunkleton – Director of Employer Services
Employers and employees alike would agree that there are certain points in the year where they are busier than others. During any peak or busy period in the workplace staff and management experience stressors that have the ability to affect performance and productivity.
There is an elusive connection between an individual experiencing workplace stress and the occurrence of anxiety related illnesses including depression.
Health and Wellbeing in and Away From the Workplace
Written on December 1, 2011 at 8:00 am, by Mary Crunkleton – Director of Employer Services
All employers desire the healthiest work environment for their employees. A positive and nurturing culture, the most appropriate ergonomics, the most current policies and procedures are crucial to an effectively run workplace.
What some employers neglect to take into consideration is the home or “away from work” life of their employees. While a healthy work environment is a good first step to ensuring optimal productivity and balance for employees, a healthy home life is just as important.
Self-Insured Short-Term Disability – The Right Choice?
Written on October 14, 2011 at 7:31 pm, by Mary Crunkleton – Director of Employer Services
Employers are constantly searching for ways to reduce their group benefit premiums, and short-term disability is often one of the first places they look for these savings, given the high premium costs associated with this benefit.
Sprains Versus Strains
Written on September 30, 2011 at 12:35 pm, by Dr. Jason Swain
While people tend to use the terms ‘sprain’ and ‘strain’ interchangeably, this is not an accurate use of the words. Keeping in mind that a proper descriptive diagnosis should include the tissue of concern and the type of injury sustained by that tissue, use of the words ‘sprain’ and ‘strain’ mean very different things.
Fibromyalgia
Written on September 15, 2011 at 4:08 pm, by Dr. Jason Swain
What is it?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome comprised of multiple soft tissue tender points (soreness seems isolated to muscles and ligaments), musculoskeletal pain (not in joints like arthritis), and stiffness in multiple regions. This condition may also cause fatigue, sleep problems, depression and concentration difficulty.
Seasonal Influenza – Flu Clinics and the Importance of Immunization for Employers
Written on September 15, 2011 at 4:01 pm, by Mary Crunkleton – Director of Employer Services
The flu season is right around the corner and employers and employees alike are thinking about immunizations for their families.
Every year, an estimated 10 to 25% of Canadians may contract the flu, with children being two to three times more likely than their adult counterparts to come down with the flu virus. Studies have shown that vaccinating children against flu protects the entire family and community at large against the spread of the flu virus.
Assessing Claimants with Myofascial Pain
Written on August 31, 2011 at 2:17 pm, by Dr. Robert Fielden, Orthopaedic Consultant A.R.S.
Myofascial pain is a condition characterized by muscular pain that can be described as steady, aching, and deep. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and lightning-like.
Typically associated with trigger points that can present themselves in the form of painful knots or lumps, the pain can cause restricted movement, sleep disturbances, and guarding, which is a natural protective response that helps to prevent further injury. Although myofascial pain is not a fatal condition, it can cause a significant reduction in quality of life and is a major cause of time lost from work.