GET INJURED EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK WITH LIGHT DUTY
Work-related injuries can and will happen, and it’s important to help injured employees return to work as soon as possible. Not only will it help speed the worker’s recovery, it will also help control the cost of a workers’ compensation claim.
A “Light Duty” or “Early Return To Work” (ERTW) program allows injured employees to get back to work in a modified or restricted capacity, if they are unable to perform their usual job duties. Employers who implement a good ERTW program help their employees get back to work quickly, safely, and with any necessary accommodations. Some options include working reduced hours; performing a modified job, or performing a different job temporarily.
Employees can be brought back full time or part-time with full or partial wages with the insurance company making up the difference, if any, between the employees’ pre-injury wages and pay earned post injury.
Historical data shows that the longer an employee is out of work, the less likely it is that he or she will return to work. When an injured worker is off work, the medical costs, legal fees and indemnity can increase significantly, affecting the insurance premium paid when the cost of claims is greater than the premium paid for coverage. In short, your bottom line can be affected by increased premiums paid to the insurance company.
An ERTW program also can increase employee morale by letting workers know you value them even when they’re not working at full capacity, and keep them involved with the rest of the team.