Töövõimetus

Töövõimetus refers to the inability of an individual to perform their work duties due to health reasons. This state can be temporary or permanent, and its assessment and management are typically handled by social security systems and healthcare providers in various countries. The concept is crucial for determining eligibility for various benefits, such as sickness leave, disability pensions, and other forms of social support.

In Estonia, for instance, töövõimetus is assessed by the Estonian Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet). The assessment considers not only the medical condition but also the impact of that condition on an individual's capacity to work in their usual profession or any other suitable occupation. Factors such as age, education, and work experience are also taken into account.

Temporary töövõimetus, often referred to as sick leave, usually involves a period where an individual is unable to work for a short duration, with the expectation of recovery and return to their job. This is typically certified by a physician. Permanent töövõimetus, on the other hand, implies a long-term or irreversible loss of working capacity, leading to potential entitlement to a disability pension. The process for assessing töövõimetus often involves medical examinations, documentation review, and sometimes vocational assessments to determine the extent of work incapacity.