Preventing employee incapacity to work. Selected aspects

Abstract

The article presents two aspects of how the Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (ZUS, Poland’s social security provider) works towards preventing workers suffer­ing incapacity to work (and thereby their potentially qualifying to receive disability pensions from ZUS). The material aspect includes the infrastructure aiding medical rehabilitation, and the financial aspect refers to monies paid in order to ensure material security during convalescence. The author argues that the two elements are important in preventing employees becoming incapable to work. The methodology adopted in the study is based on an analysis of statistical data and draws on the interpretation and comparison of the data collected and made available by public institutions, in particular ZUS. This methodology confirmed the importance of preventive actions by ZUS in reducing the numbers of employees suffering incapacity for work, and curbing the costs incurred by the state budget in this respect. The material aspect of these preventive actions accelerates the return to work through more effective medical rehabilitation. The financial dimension ensures a sense of social security, thanks to benefits paid out of social insurance (such as sickness benefit, rehabilitation benefit, disability pension or training allowance). Another significant trend observed involves reducing the amount of benefits due during convalescence.