It is important to consider and plan for what you will do if an accident happens at your workplace that results in a worker being injured or off work for recovery. Research shows that helping injured workers get back to work as soon and as safely as possible increases their recovery outcomes. This, in turn, helps your workplace retain experienced, valued workers.
Remember: A worker may return to work before they are able to perform full duties by providing other suitable work.
A Return to Work program:
- Identifies the roles of the injured worker, employer, healthcare providers, and the WSCC in supporting the worker returning to work.
- States the procedure the employer will follow to assist injured or ill workers in getting back to work.
- How to identify work an injured or ill worker can safely perform while recovering.
- This may involve working modified duties or fewer hours during recovery.
No matter what your Return to Work program looks like, regular, supportive communication with injured workers is very important throughout their recovery journey.
Documentation
- Return to Work programs and policy
- Individual Return to Work Plans for injured or ill workers
Click here for more information on Return to Work planning.