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Thesis

French

ID: <

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11794/69713

>

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Exploring the organisational practices of Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to the return to work process of workers who have suffered occupational injury

Abstract

When considering that occupational injuries are an economic burden leading to important consequences on small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), it is important to look at the determinants of a healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) process of a worker having suffered an occupational injury. Considering that enterprises have a decisive influence on the RTW process, the literature suggests that the RTW success rate is proportional to the size of an enterprise. However, the majority of studies are carried out with large enterprises and do not allow to understand the situation in SMEs. Given that organizational practices are fundamental to the RTW process and inconsidering that SMEs represent 95% of employers in Québec, this study aimed to explore the organizational practices of Québec SMEs in relation to the RTW of workers with occupational injuries. This study was carried out using a qualitative exploratory study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants from 3 different stakeholders involved in the RTW process (i.e., SME representatives, workers, and healthcare professionals) to explore their experience with regards to the RTW process in Québec SMEs. The content of the interviews was reviewed using a phenomenological analysis.The results show that the SME organisational practices evoked by the participants are grouped into three themes: 1) Reducing the risks of occupational injuries, 2) Managing occupational injuries, and3) Preventing the consequences of occupational injuries. Although organizational practices for RTW are adopted by SMEs, it is noted that there are differences in the way they are implemented. Considering the large number of workers employed by Québec SMEs, the proposal for intervention stailored to the reality and needs of SMEs is likely to be beneficial to hundreds of thousands of workers, SMEs and healthcare professionals.

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