After being affected by occupational diseases, workers face difficulties to return to work due to their functional limitations and obstacles presented by employers, social welfare and health services. Labor restrictions and return to work are complex aspects within worker's health policies. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study conducted in the second half of 2008 was to identify the facilitating factors and the barriers for returning to work of workers with long unsuccessful treatment. It was based on the documental analysis of 10 clinical records of participants in a occupational therapy group at a Worker's Health Reference Center (CRST) in the city of São Paulo. Data were organized and analyzed according to ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) components. Working within ICF framework widened our views on workers' health conditions and helped us understand the influence of services, systems, and policies in different areas. Main barriers for returning to work were the lack of adequate occupational rehabilitation programs and the miscommunication among actors at different administrative and political levels. The main facilitator was the individual attitude and the behavior of the CRST staff, providing holding and support to workers.
worker's health; return to work; occupational rehabilitation; barriers and facilitating factors; occupational therapy
