There are many factors that impact the degree to which work is affected by chronic illness and disability. Some of these are related to the disease or disability, such as a house painter who falls off a ladder and becomes paralyzed from the waist down; or a worker with cancer who needs time off for chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Other factors are related to the nature of the work, such as the physical environment and required tasks.
Often, the individual with a chronic illness or disability will continue to perform the same work they did before the illness or injury. If this is not possible work schedules, work tasks or the work environment, may be modified to accommodate the limitations imposed by the illness or injury. If modifications can not be made the worker will have to change jobs or apply for disability status.