A Return-to-Work (RTW) program is a key component of injury management for work-related and non-work-related injuries and illnesses. It can generate significant savings in workers' compensation, short- and long-term disability claims costs, and human resource benefit programs. Effective RTW programming requires a team approach. Loss Control is an integral member of the RTW team.
Theoretically, "Return to Work" is a process designed to return injured workers back to work - after an injury occurs, after an employee loses time from work. In practice, however, an effective Return-to-Work program is in place before injury occurs. In some cases, an effective Return-to-Work program can eliminate lost time and actually keep an injured employee at work during the recuperation period. You will see how this is possible as we describe the steps required to set up an effective Return-to-Work program and the role played by Loss Control.
Early return to work after an injury or illness offers benefits to both the injured worker and the company. The savings and benefits apply to both occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses.
Employer benefits:
controls direct and indirect costs
reduces production downtime
reduces need to train replacement workers
increases morale and improves operations
reduces workers compensation fraud
expedites a speedy recovery
supports a sense of self worth
stay in the same or similar job
avoids interruption of salary and/or benefits
Set up your program right away, even if you have no injury reports currently. Follow the ten easy steps listed below. You will see that Steps 1–5 plan and set up the program (pre-injury). Steps 6–10 describe actions to be taken once an injury has occurred. Loss Control can assist employers at every step indirectly through consultation or through direct service.
Develop a policy for Return-to-Work that reflects your company's commitment. Include the following elements:
The expectation that all employees participate
Your commitment to assisting injured employees in getting back to work. Let employees know that your organization is serious about the health and well-being of the staff, and that, in the event of injury, the company has a specific process that is followed to assure that the injured worker receives proper medical care with the goal of returning them to his or her job or to another form of transitional work
Flexibility to accommodate different situations
Availability of the program to employees with both work and non-work related injuries
Early reporting of injuries and illnesses
Commitment to meaningful modified duty
Include labor (union representation) in the planning stages
Steps taken when a worker is injured
Include both management and labor representation in the planning process and assign an individual or a Return-to-Work team to be responsible for the program.
The effectiveness of a RTW program depends on both management and labor support. Management attitude sets the tone for such programs. Labor support facilitates the implementation.
