Geographic variation in work disability burden: Identifying hotspots, coldspots, and associated sociodemographic factors

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify geographic hotspots and coldspots of work disability burden and associated sociodemographic factors in Australia. Methods Using Australian workers’ compensation and census data, we calculated weeks of compensated time off work per 1,000 labour force at Statistical Area Level 4, an indicator of work disability burden. Records included all claims with at least one day of compensated time off work lodged between 2010 and 2015. Work disability burden was z-transformed by state and mapped across Australia. Statistical Areas ≥ 1.5 standard deviations from the state/territory mean were considered hotspots and coldspots. We tested several sociodemographic factors as predictors of work disability burden. Results Work disability burden hotspots were concentrated in lower socioeconomic suburbs and exurbs of state capitals, plus several regional areas. Coldspots were primarily in wealthy central urban and suburban areas. Factors associated with greater work disability burden include socioeconomic disadvantage, rurality, lower labour force participation, higher unemployment, and more people with core activity limitations, aged 65+ years, and aged 65+ but fewer foreign-born. Conclusions Work disability burden is unequally distributed across Australia and strongly influenced by sociodemographic factors. The findings can guide more efficient allocation of resources for primary and secondary work disability prevention and rehabilitation.