While the majority of those who contract COVID eventually “recover” — many report difficulty returning to full health. They still have fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, inability to exercise, headaches, and insomnia.
From Harvard Medical School, Jan. 2021:
‘Recent studies find that more than 50% of people who “recover” from COVID remain hobbled by symptoms 3-6 months later. They can’t return to work. They can’t fulfill their responsibilities at home. They’re being called “long haulers.” Such lingering symptoms have been reported following “recovery” from a number of other infectious illnesses, including mono, Lyme disease and SARS (caused by a coronavirus). So it’s not surprising that similar residual effects develop following COVID.’
In other words, it’s plausible that tens of thousands in Canada may never be the same again.
—
WCB’s costs were rising by $100M/year pre-pandemic. And now COVID is contributing to a record jump in work-related psych injuries (anxiety, depression, PTSD) and time-loss claims for lung damage, sudden-onset autoimmune disorders and cognitive deficits.
All this amounts to higher WCB premiums and further disability-driven business disruption. Blue Collar helps employers prepare for the difficult times ahead.
