Concept of Margin of Manoeuvre in Return to Work

Abstract

Part of workplace-based return to work programs, a need for a margin of maneuver, exists throughout the process. Margin of maneuver is defined as the possibility that a worker may develop different ways of working in order to meet production targets, without having adverse effects on his or her health; it was first developed in ergonomics and recently adapted to rehabilitation. In our view, the presence of margin of maneuver is a prerequisite for workers staying at work in good health and helps clinicians better achieve effective interventions for ensuring a sustainable return to work. In this chapter, we will first define the concept of margin of maneuver. Its types, dimensions, and indicators in a work rehabilitation context will be presented followed by steps to create this process within a return to work context. Finally, these steps will be illustrated by a case history.