Table 4 Categories of workers’ experiences with workers’ compensation for musculoskeletal disease

Approval rate for musculoskeletal disease is low; therefore, claims for workers’ compensation are difficult.

Intimidating aspects of the workers’ compensation system

Approval decision is not based on fair work-relatedness evaluation.

Injured workers need to strive for approval.

Recuperation period and termination is determined without considering the state of the individual patient.

Injured workers feel fear of stigma as a malingerer.

More emotional distress than physical illness

Injured workers are remained isolated most of the time during recuperation.

Injured workers are anxious during the whole period (from approval to termination).

It took 1 hour per day for medical treatment, and injured workers stayed at home alone for the rest of the day.

Poor treatment and neglect of injured workers

Physical therapy is the only treatment and there is almost no exercise therapy.

Injures workers pursue other self-remedies due to suspicious therapeutic effect of compensated medical care.

Medical judgment is not taken into consideration in the decision to extend or terminate the compensation duration.

Recuperation period is ended by KCOMWEL*, injured worker in inadequate condition to return to work.

Difficult termination and return to work

There is no workplace-based rehabilitation and return to work program.

Rules for work placement and transitions for returned workers are absent.