Injured employees on the job often face a long and challenging road to recovery.
Not only do they have to deal with the physical worldnewsite pain of their injuries, but they also have to cope with the financial stress of being out of work.
The good news is that there are several things that employers can do to help employees get back on their feet after an injury. Transitional duty is one such program that can make a big difference. If you are an employer, read on to learn more about how you can help your employees get back to work after an injury!
What is Transitional Duty?
Return-to-work programs help workers who have been injured or become ill return to their jobs as quickly and safely as possible. Transitional duty programs allow injured employees to gradually ease into the workforce by performing modified or alternative job duties that accommodate their restrictions. These programs can help employees stay productive and motivated while they recover, and they can also help reduce the financial burden on both the employee and the employer.
How to Facilitate the Return of Employees Who are Recovering From Illness or Injury
● Communicate With Your Claims Adjuster
Stay in touch with your adjuster to receive updates on an injured worker’s recovery and return-to-work date. Even if the employee cannot resume their regular job, they may be able to work a modified schedule or perform other tasks. Your adjuster will ask for a job description so they can talk to the doctor about which duties an employee can do, depending on their recovery.
● Discuss Modified Work Options
Ask your employees what kinds of tasks and schedules would be most suitable for them. Employees should discuss the plan with their healthcare provider to ensure they can safely engage in each activity. You should provide workers with alternative employment that is both meaningful and pays equivalently to their original job.
Your return-to-work plan ensures a worker’s safe and gradual news247 com reintegration into regular full-time work. If aspects of the new schedule do not work out, be flexible enough to change them.
● Offsite Opportunities
Coordinating a short-term work opportunity at an offsite NGO can provide an alternative work option for employees unable to perform their regular duties due to injury. This can help them stay engaged and motivated while they recover.
Other ways to ensure employees’ safe return to work include:
● Workplace Accommodations
Make necessary accommodations in the workplace to ensure the injured employee’s safety and comfort. This can include providing ergonomic equipment, modifying their workstation, or providing additional breaks.
● Training
Provide training on safe work practices and ergonomics to help prevent future injuries and improve workplace safety.
● Provide support.
Offer the employee access to employee assistance programs or counseling services to help them cope with the physical and emotional stress of their injury.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with an employee who has suffered an injury at work, use the steps above to help ensure they return to work safely. Using these tips should help your employees recover on time and reduce any risk of future injuries.
