Owner attitudes and self reported behavior towards modified work after occupational injury absence in small enterprises: A qualitative study

Introduction: Opportunities for modified work after an occupational injury are thought to be limited in small enterprises. This paper explores owner attitudes and self reported behavior towards modified work after injury-absence in small enterprises. Methods: Twenty-two owners of small construction and metal-processing enterprises were interviewed. Results: Opportunities for modified work were possible in spite of some owners' general objections. Owners found their own solutions here-and-now without help from external stakeholders, and had little knowledge of possibilities for financial or practical support for early return-to-work initiatives. Conclusions: Initiatives formalizing modified work must be arranged in a way that supports the close social relations in small enterprises. Information to support the return to work process must be given when it is needed, i.e. at the onset of the prospect of lengthy work absence. The actual form of modified work should mainly be left up to the employer and the injured worker.