In which decade were vocational rehabilitation services added to many workers' compensation systems?

Vocational rehabilitation services were integrated into many workers' compensation systems during the 1960s as part of a broader recognition of the need to assist individuals who were injured on the job in returning to the workforce. This period marked a significant shift in the approach to occupational injuries, emphasizing the importance of not only compensating for lost wages but also providing support to help workers regain their skills and find suitable employment following their incapacitation.

The development of vocational rehabilitation during the 1960s aimed to reduce the long-term impact of workplace injuries and promote the reintegration of injured workers into productive roles in society. Programs were established to offer training, education, and counseling, which facilitated better employment outcomes and improved the overall functioning of the workers' compensation system. The federal government also took steps to support these programs, particularly with the passage of legislation that recognized the value of rehabilitation services in helping individuals re-enter the workforce after injury. This foundational change laid the groundwork for the comprehensive worker support systems we see in place today.