Understanding the Link Between Long COVID and Workplace Safety

In the wake of the pandemic, Long COVID has emerged as a significant public health concern, affecting individuals for months, or even years, after their initial COVID-19 infection. In this Data Dashboard post, we will discuss the impact of Long COVID on workers and the connection between this condition and workplace safety.

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), encompasses a range of persistent symptoms experienced by individuals after their initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive difficulties ("brain fog"), joint pain and more that may significantly impact daily life and work performance.

What is particularly concerning to the occupational safety and health community is how Long COVID appears to intersect with workplace safety. The symptoms associated with Long COVID may impair physical and cognitive abilities, potentially increasing the risk of workplace accidents or injuries. Fatigue and reduced stamina, for instance, could compromise one's ability to safely perform physically demanding tasks. Cognitive difficulties might impact focus and situational awareness, critical for avoiding hazards in various work settings.

NSC Survey Findings on Long COVID and Workplace Injuries

In a recent survey^[1] conducted by NSC among 1,500 workers across diverse industries, a trend emerged: those who reported experiencing symptoms lasting three months or longer following a confirmed COVID-19 infection were more likely to have sustained a work-related injury at their current job. Among the 804 survey respondents^[2] who had tested positive for COVID-19 at least once, those with symptoms lasting three months or longer were more likely to report a history of workplace injuries. This increased injury rate was not observed between workers who had experienced a confirmed COVID-19 infection and those who had never tested positive for COVID-19.

Seventeen percent of survey respondents with long-lasting symptoms reported a workplace injury compared to 10% among those who had experienced a COVID-19 infection but with no lasting symptom.^[3] This correlation raises important questions about the interplay between post-infection health outcomes and workplace safety. While the survey did not establish causation, the association suggests a potential relationship worth exploring further.

Implications for Workplace Safety Practices

Understanding the link between Long COVID and workplace injuries underscores the importance of prioritizing worker health and safety, especially in the context of pandemic recovery and ongoing viral risks. Employers must consider the long-term health effects of COVID-19 when assessing workplace safety protocols and procedures.

For instance, accommodating workers experiencing Long COVID symptoms might involve:

● Modified work assignments: Changes in tasks or responsibilities to accommodate physical or neurocognitive challenges

● Flexible work arrangements: Allowing modified work schedules or remote work options to accommodate fluctuating health conditions

● Phased return to work: Fatigue can cause relapses and delay recovery from Long COVID. Some workers may experience better health outcomes if they work shorter shifts when they first return to work and gradually increase their hours as they recover.

● Adapted work environments: Modifying physical workspaces to minimize hazards and optimize accessibility for individuals with reduced stamina or mobility

The evolving landscape of Long COVID presents unique challenges for occupational health and safety. By acknowledging the relationship between Long COVID symptoms and workplace injuries, organizations can adopt proactive measures to safeguard worker health and foster a culture of safety and wellbeing.

Additional Resources

Symptoms of Long COVID and other factors which may have implications workplace safety are further discussed in section I of the SAFER research report, Recommendations for Moving Past the Pandemic, and the SAFER Quick Hit document, Long COVID: What Employers Should Know.

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