Return To Work
- Allows the injured worker to “transition” back into the work environment after sustaining a work-related injury
- Encourages a safe and early return to work, taking into account the injured worker’s abilities and injury
- Injured worker benefits by being productive and receiving a salary
- Employer benefits by having an experienced and productive worker back at the job
Ideally, a company (employer) representative is able to accompany the
injured worker to the medical appointment and acquire information from
the medical provider regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and physical abilities.
The physical ability information should be specific regarding activities
such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting pushing, pulling, and carrying.
Frequency of tasks should also be addressed. Terms generally used to
describe frequency are as follows:
- Occasionally (1/3 of the time)
- Frequently (1/3-2/3 of the time)
- Constantly (2/3 or more of the time)
It is important to keep all parties involved during recovery and
provide an understanding of expectations. RTW services can be an
important tool for medical providers in coordinating the care and return-to-work options.
WSI’s RTW service department offers the following services:
- On-Site Return-to-Work Case Manager
- Medical Case Manager
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Preferred Worker Program
- Job Developer/Employment Specialist
- School Coordinator
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