A RTW plan is a team effort involving the supervisor, worker, union (if applicable), health care providers, and the WSCC. The plan varies from worker to worker and takes into consideration the type of injury, the recovery process, and the availability of suitable work.
If an injured worker refuses the suitable work, they need to give reasons why, which the WSCC will review and consider. If the WSCC disagrees with the injured worker and believes the work is suitable, the injured worker must return to work. If the worker still chooses not to accept the work, they risk suspension or termination of their benefits. If the WSCC agrees with the reasons the injured worker provides as to why the work is not suitable, the WSCC will help the employer identify alternative suitable work.
The WSCC receives medical reports that include functional abilities and prognosis information from health care providers. The employer receives information on the injured worker’s functional abilities to determine suitable work. The WSCC analyzes this information to determine when the worker is fit to safely return to work.
Yes! The RTW program helps the injured worker get back to work as soon as safe and medically possible.
Contact the WSCC to discuss.
Immediately approach the worker and explain concerns for their health and safety. If the worker says they can do those duties because of faster than anticipated healing, contact the WSCC and get current medical information that clears them to perform those activities.
Documentation provides an accessible summary of actions and discussions, the injury, and the RTW process. This helps ensure follow-up on actions and provides a record of events if someone leaves the organization. The documentation can assist as evidence for reviews, appeals, or human rights tribunals if needed.
Refer to the worker’s Functional Abilities form. If the worker has no restrictions there is no reason that they should need reduced hours. However, medical conditions do change. Contact the WSCC to make sure that there is no new medical information that affects the worker’s functional abilities.
To satisfy the duty to accommodate, you must accommodate to the point of undue hardship. This involves looking at modifying the job methods and tools as well as looking at other available job positions that meet the worker’s skills, education, and functional abilities. Communication with the WSCC Case Manager is important as they may also be able to assist you and the worker.
The WSCC refers to the following definitions:
- Limited – loads up to 5kg (11lbs)
- Light – activities involve handling loads between 5kg-10kg (11-22lbs)
- Medium – activities involve handling loads between 10kg-20kg (22-44lbs)
- Heavy – activities involve handling loads over 20kg (greater than 44lbs)
If you have any questions regarding what physical demands the worker is capable of performing and their limitations and restrictions contact the WSCC.