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Planning: A written return-to-work protocol
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Return-to-work program requirements
In addition to developing a policy (Practice Incentive criteria #1) and an injury reporting system (Practice Incentive criteria #2), you are required to establish the following components of a return-to-work program in your workplace in order to receive a 5% PRIME Practice Incentive refund.
Planning: A written return-to-work protocol
Return-to-work planning involves two main activities: (1) accommodating the injured worker’s functional limitations, and (2) co-ordinating services for the injured worker.
The planning process includes:
- Providing communication, advice and support
- Providing access to timely information
- Developing, implementing and monitoring a return-to-work plan
- Following up after the worker has returned to work
Organizations that make trained personnel available for these activities usually have a higher success rate in returning a worker to work in a safe and suitable manner.
Returning a worker to work after an injury
First, have a trained person from the organization contact the worker within 24-48 hours after the injury to offer support and provide information about the return-to-work program.
The goal is to accommodate the workplace to help the worker perform his or her pre-injury job. Review the functional abilities information provided by the doctor/chiropractor in conjunction with the worker in accordance with the Commission’s Policy Re-18 Hierarchy of Return to Work and Accommodation.
All employers are required to co-operate in helping a worker return to work by providing suitable and available employment. If work is available that is consistent with what the worker is able to do, the employer is required to offer it to the worker. Employers who regularly employ 20 or more workers may have a re-employment obligation under section 89.1 of the WHSC Act.
The Commission has trained case management staff available to guide employers and workers on return-to-work issues. If an employer and a worker cannot agree on the return-to-work plan, then both parties are required by law to notify the Commission as soon as possible.
The return-to-work protocol can exist in several formats, and is not limited to a procedure, checklist or poster. A sample return-to-work planning protocol is available here.
For the purposes of PRIME Practice Incentive requirements your written return-to-work protocol must:
Need help? 1-709-778-2922 • 1-800-563-9000 • e-mail: prime@whscc.nf.ca
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