Many businesses have a return-to-work policy to help save money and spend less effort throughout the workers’ compensation process. A return-to-work policy allows employees to return to a light-duty job while they recover from an illness or injury at work. The return-to-work policy is designed to help injured or sick employees get back to work in a safe and timely manner.
A workers compensation lawyer can help injured employees understand when they should return to their employment. A workers’ comp return-to-work policy allows businesses to:
- Control direct and indirect absentee costs
- Reduce lost productivity
- Not have to train replacement workers
- Maintain the skills of valuable employees
A return-to-work (RTW) policy is also beneficial to injured or sick employees when the following occurs:
- Quicker recovery
- Emphasizing value
- Getting jobs back
- Finding similarly adjacent job roles
- Preventing salary interruption
RTW policies work best when both employees and employers back the initiatives.
Workers’ Compensation Return-to-Work Limits
Return to work regulations determine what an employee can and can’t do on the job because of injury. An employee’s treating physician may give them work restrictions after receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Employees can receive a monthly benefit check when employers fail to provide work accommodations.
Workers’ Comp Settlement After Returning to Work
Working during recovery can allow you to continue receiving a salary. Your workers’ comp settlement will depend on if your physician advises that you can return to work. If an employee doesn’t return to their job, they may not receive their weekly benefit check but could be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You need to maintain open communication with your doctor and inform them when certain tasks are painful.
Job Opportunities for Employees Returning to Work
It’s imperative for injured employees and employers to identify transitional work. Your workers comp attorney can help you to understand the policy and what is expected by the business. They can also let you know about what accommodations would be appropriate.
Your policy should stress to employees that injuries or illnesses should be promptly reported. Managers should also be trained on how to file a workers’ compensation claim with the insurance company.
When a work-related incident occurs, return-to-work specialists recommend taking the following steps:
- Reports the incident
- Receive appropriate treatment
- Help your employer to investigate the incident
- Speak to a workers’ comp law professional about your return to work date
Accommodating workers with injuries aligns with the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Businesses can provide the following accommodations to ease your return to work:
- Modifying the work area
- Restructuring or reassigning job tasks
- Providing short-term retraining to perform new temporary work assignments
- Providing adaptive equipment that offers increased comfort
- Offering work schedule and location flexibility
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workers’ comp law professionals state that you should not have to go back to work until you are fully physically able to perform the duties of your job. Employers and insurance companies often pressure workers into returning too soon. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. Speak with a seasoned workers’ comp attorney about your return to work schedule.
