Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2025 Jun 30;81(1):2165.
doi: 10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2165. eCollection 2025.

Predictors of return to work among mine workers following on-duty injury: A scoping review

Wilinda Botha  1 , Nontembiso Magida  1 , Witness Mudzi  2 , Bashir Bello  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Predictors of return to work among mine workers following on-duty injury: A scoping review

Wilinda Botha et al. S Afr J Physiother. .

Abstract

Background: Mining industry workers face substantial challenges returning to work after occupational injuries. Despite the critical importance of successful return to work (RTW) outcomes, there is limited understanding of specific predictors within the mining sector that influence these outcomes.

Objectives: To systematically identify and analyse factors influencing RTW among mine workers following on-duty injuries and synthesise evidence to inform rehabilitation strategies.

Method: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar and PsycINFO databases for literature published between 1996 and December 2024. Studies were screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analysed thematically to identify key predictors of RTW outcomes.

Results: Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Negative RTW predictors (barriers) included physical complications (muscular atrophy, chronic pain), psychological factors (work avoidance, secondary gains) and workplace challenges (harsh conditions, job stress). Positive predictors (facilitators) encompassed supportive work environments, shorter rehabilitation periods, and financial stability. Demographic characteristics, particularly younger age and higher education levels, were associated with improved RTW outcomes.

Conclusion: Return to work success among mine workers is influenced by multiple interconnected factors spanning physical, psychological, workplace and demographic domains.

Clinical implications: These findings emphasise the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programmes integrating medical care, psychological support and workplace modifications. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions that address these multiple dimensions of RTW in the mining sector.

Keywords: injured on duty; mine-workers; occupational injury; predictors; rehabilitation; return to work.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article. The author, W.M., serves as an editorial board member of this journal. The peer review process for this submission was handled independently, and the author had no involvement in the editorial decision-making process for this manuscript. The author has no other competing interests to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow chart diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Abdalla, S., Apramian, S.S., Cantley, L.F., Cullen, M.R., Mock, C., Nugent, R. et al. , 2017, ‘Occupation and risk for injuries’, in Mock C.N., Nugent R., Kobusingye O. & Smith K. (eds.), Injury prevention and environmental health, 3rd edn., pp. 97–113, The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, Washington, DC. - PubMed
    1. Bai, Z., Zhang, J., Tang, C., Wang, L., Xia, W., Qi, Q. et al. , 2022, ‘Return-to-work predictions for Chinese patients with occupational upper extremity injury: A prospective cohort study’, Frontiers in Medicine 9, 805230. 10.3389/fmed.2022.805230 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Bhattacherjee, A. & Kunar, B.M., 2016, ‘Miners’ return to work following injuries in coal mines’, Medycyna Pracy. Workers’ Health and Safety 67(6), 729–742. 10.13075/mp.5893.00429 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Cancelliere, C., Donovan, J., Stochkendahl, M.J., Biscardi, M., Ammendolia, C., Myburgh, C. et al. , 2016, ‘Factors affecting return to work after injury or illness: Best evidence synthesis of systematic reviews’, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 24, 1–23. 10.1186/s12998-016-0113-z - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Collie, A., Sheehan, L., Lane, T.J., Gray, S. & Grant, G., 2019, ‘Injured worker experiences of insurance claim processes and return to work: A national, cross-sectional study’, BMC Public Health 19, 1–12. 10.1186/s12889-019-7251-x - DOI - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources