Lived experiences of work injuries : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology (Health Endorsement) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Work injuries have been increasing significantly globally, and work injury research has largely involved scientific research seeking associations between work injuries and direct and indirect costs. However, little research has been directed at the experience of the injured worker. A phenomenological approach was used in this research to gain insight and understand the lived experience of work injuries. Phenomenology was utilised because it allows for examination of experience, and was an approach that could provide insights into how work injuries were experienced. In this study, five people who had sustained work injuries and who were off work for at least two months due to their injuries participated and completed semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed. The lived experience of work injuries is described in terms of trauma, broken body, communication, relationships, and coping. These themes elucidate the context of work injuries as embodied experiences. Findings suggest that work injuries are experienced as very traumatic and harrowing. The participants found it difficult to navigate the world through their broken bodies after sustaining the work injury. Through these broken bodies, the participants experienced humiliation shame, inferiority, and they felt as if they were losing control over managing their injuries. Many stakeholders were involved with the participants in order to create plans to return to work (RTW) and rehabilitation. The sheer amount of people involved in the rehabilitation made communication difficult at times. The participants and their families’ lives changed radically as a result of the work injuries, and it contributed to difficulties in relationships. While the work injuries disrupted the injured worker's lives, they worked through these difficulties by using different strategies to cope. Navigating the world with broken bodies after work injuries, are traumatic, and rehabilitation is complex and multifaceted.