Awen is an electrician who accidentally fell while working in a flower bed last year. He suffered a concussion, facial fractures, and traumatic optic nerve injury to his right eye. Although his condition gradually stabilized after medical treatment and rehabilitation, his right eye vision could not be restored. Due to his normal left eye vision, he could not obtain a disability certificate, thus he is concerned about his ability to return to work successfully. COAPRE teamed up with Taipei City Government to apply interdepartmental resources to assist Awen in successfully returning to work.

COAPRE hosted case studies with the Taipei City Government on June 6 to share Awen's experience in recovering from an occupational accident and returning to work. Taipei City Employment Services Office supervisor Li Chia-Jung pointed out in the seminar that, after Awen's condition stabilized, he expressed to the occupational accident specialist that he needed to return to work because his family's livelihood depended on it. However, it turned out to be more difficult than he had imagined. It is common for workers to feel a sense of fear when returning to work at the place where the accident took place, and they may lose confidence in their ability to work, or their injuries may hinder their skills, preventing them from performing their original job. As a result, they may not be able to return to work even after recovery.

To address problems that are similar to Awen's, the Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act (the Act) was promulgated in 2022 to consolidate resources and provide immediate case management services. To enhance rehabilitation services for occupational accident workers, local governments have appointed professional service personnel per Article 65 of the Act to ascertain the needs of occupational accident workers at the front line, as well as provide them with the necessary services based on their needs.

For occupational accident workers aiming to return to work, Article 66 of the same act stipulates that employers or occupational accident workers may file applications with professional, functional rehabilitation institutions approved by the central competent authority to help them conduct an analysis, evaluation, and formulate a return-to-work plan and training program related to the restoration or enhancement of work abilities. Through continual collaboration with COAPRE, resources for occupational injury, disease treatment and diagnosis, occupational rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation can be integrated to serve workers and help them to return to work.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor announced on February 5 that workers with disabilities resulting from occupational accidents are recognized as specific individuals protected under the Employment Service Act. Workers with disabilities from occupational accidents looking for employment may do so at their local public employment service agencies and take advantage of various employment promotion measures to enhance their skills and return to work.

Can I return to work after an occupational accident? With assistance from the vocational rehabilitation case manager and employment services personnel, Awen attempted different jobs. With professional service, support, and encouragement, he gradually overcame the gloom of his injuries and became capable of seeking employment independently. Now, he has worked for more than 3 months at his current job without major issues.

COAPRE strives to help more individuals like “Awen” to return to work. Monthly case studies were held this year to improve the expertise of the professional service team supporting occupational accident workers. These case studies focus on various types of occupational accidents, occupational rehabilitation, and service models. Professionals in relevant fields are invited to sign up for the event. For further details, please browse the latest news section on COAPRE's official website.