In the September issue of Safety and Health Magazine, Kyle Morrison wrote a great article on the issues related to creating, having, and implementing company Return-To-Work Programs and having employees return to work from an injury.
Morrison writes,
Successful programs can help lower employer costs, including workers’ compensation.
We thought his information on creating a quality return to work program was dead on and full of good insights. Here are the highlights of his article that refers to having and developing a solid return-to-work program and how it can reduce worker’s compensation costs.
Click here to read the full safteyhealthmagazine.com article.
The Keys To A Good Return-To-Work Program
1. Creation
Prevention is better than the cure. Develop a return-to-work program before you need it.
2. Communication
Communicate to management and employees the details of the program. This open dialogue eases returning employee’s fear and misconceptions about their return. Explain that you are glad to have them back to work and how this program benefits you, the employer, and the employee.
3. Collaboration
Work with a local clinic or hospital and inform the staff about the specific kind of work performed at your jobsite, and the details of your return-to-work program.
4. Maintenance
Maintaining current job descriptions and list possible light-duty assignments for each of those jobs.
5. Investigation & Evaluation
Don’t just investigate the accident. Evaluate the circumstances that led to the workplace injury.
6. Follow Through
Implement what you have learned and hopefully this will prevent future workplace injuries.
Return-To-Work Programs and returning an employee to work doesn’t cost as much money as most employers think, and it has some incredible benefits when implemented well. It can improve the overall employee morale, occupational safety, health, and productivity of the company.
If you need to create or update your current return to work program please do not hesitate to consult with our occupational health staff and worker compensation specialists. We can advise and direct you on some best practices and present to you our services that could help finalize your plan that benefits your workforce and overall work safety plan.
Before or after a workplace injury, our OHC physicians (Dr. John N. McMillin, MD and Dr. Terry W. Taylor, MD, MPH) and staff can be true asset. We can evaluate when your workers are able to go back to work and determine the proper length time for “light duty” or complete time away from the job. OHC Workers Compensation specialists work closely with you and your insurance companies to ensure that the process following an injury is efficient and effective. We are committed to the health of your injured employee, providing them with the best possible care to enable their return to work as quickly as possible.
- Work Injury Management
- Vigorous Return-To-Work Philosophy
- Prompt Referrals
- Aggressive Follow-up Scheduling To Facilitate Case Closure
- Work-site Evaluations
- Return To Duty Physicals
- Fit For Duty Exams
If you need any more information on your workplace safety or you need a work-site audit and evaluation please contact OHC at ddaniel@occupationalhc.com or call 251.436.8039.
Click here to see our complete list of services or learn more about Occupational Health Center (OHC) in Mobile, Alabama
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RESOURCES //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/11171-returning-to-work-workers–comp?page=2
Articles by Kyle W. Morrison
