Disability

Each year in the U.S., more than 28 million people suffer disabling injuries that keep them out of work or prevent them from participating in their usual activities. Millions more are unable to work as a result of chronic illness. Born out of Liberty Mutual’s long-standing commitment to rehabilitate injured workers, the Institute’s disability research strives to find ways to improve people’s return to work and functional recovery.

Early research looked at ways to reduce work-related disability. One study found that training supervisors how to effectively communicate with and accommodate injured workers can significantly reduce disability. Based on this study, we developed a supervisor training program to help companies provide the support injured workers need to return to their jobs sooner. We are currently investigating whether this program can help reduce disability from non-occupational causes.

More recently, our disability researchers have endeavored to find ways to help those with chronic health conditions (such as arthritis, diabetes and depression), avoid long-term disability. Our researchers also examine factors associated with significant differences in disability outcomes, such as geographic location, medical treatments and psychosocial factors. Findings from these and other research studies provide the basis for tools, programs and protocols to help improve recovery and minimize disability.