Claims - Return to Work

In order to reduce workers’ compensation costs and generate faster closing of claims, our company encourages all employers to implement an early return to work program. An early return to work program should provide transitional jobs to injured employees that takes into consideration restrictions given by treating physicians as well as skills and interests of the injured worker. Focus should be one the injured worker’s abilities. The employer should facilitate the employee’s transition from workers compensation to modified duty assignments back to their full time regular job. An early return to work program decreases the amount of indemnity paid on a claim, helps maintain productivity and increases morale and motivation to return and remain at work.

• Employer should have a plan on how to respond to injuries immediately and facilitate a return to work as soon as possible.
• Adjuster should communicate with the employer regarding restrictions given by the treating physicians.
• The employer should complete a detailed job description listing all functions the injured worker will be required to complete and mail or fax this to the adjuster. The adjuster will then forward to the treating physician for approval.
• The employer should send a letter certified to the claimant offering light duty work and specifying when the injured worker is expected to return.
• Returning to the work force in a timely manner benefits all involved.