ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses the development of disability management (DM) within a selection of EU Member States at a number of levels. The International Disability Management Standards Council Code of Practice for Employers and the Occupational Standards for DM Professionals and Return-to-Work Coordinators have been adopted. The certification of front-line professionals with responsibility for the reintegration of injured workers and the accreditation of employing organizations using the consensus-based disability management audit (CBDMA) tool has been promoted by a number of like-minded organizations. The most promising area for policy action to promote DM at EU level is the open method of coordination (OMC) process, which is currently in operation in three domains relevant to DM that is employment, social exclusion and public health. This provides a basis for enhancing workplace health promotion (WHP) programmes, but is far short of an endorsement of a full DM approach for older workers.