1. Return To Work & Transitional Jobs

2. Program Goals To lower workers’ comp claim costs
To reduce high workers’ comp insurance premiums
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

3. How to Begin Key components: A Written Return to Work Policy
Job Analysis for All Problem Jobs
Transitional Work Options for Employees Returning with Temporary Restrictions
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

4. Return to Work Policy Statement
Put it in writing.
Apply it consistently.
Use it to guide decision-making.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

5. RTW and Transitional Job Policy
Communicate the policy…
To employees
To supervisors
To healthcare providers
To insurance company or third party administrators
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

6. RTW and Transitional Job Policy
WELCOME BACK!
Emphasize your commitment to get injured workers back to work as soon as medically safe!
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

7. Job Analysis
Provide the treating medical provider with a job analysis of the injured worker’s job.
Focus on the physical and environmental requirements of their original job.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

8. Transitional Work Options
Indicate your willingness to provide work that meets the employee’s physical limitations.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

9. RTW & Transitional Job Policy
List some transitional work job options that can be considered.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

10. Managing Your RTW Costs
Report claims immediately.
Use quality medical providers who share the company’s philosophy on RTW.
Return injured worker as soon as medically safe by providing transitional work options.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

11. Select Medical Providers According to Local Laws
Check your state medical requirements.
Inform employees of the company-selected medical providers when they are ill or injured.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

12. Sample Policy and Forms
Return to work (RTW) and Transitional Job Policy
RTW Agreement
Job Analysis Form
RTW Authorization Form
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

13. Focus on RTW
Provide the injured worker’s job analysis and Return to Work Authorization Form
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

14. Sample Return-to-Work & Transitional Job Policy
If you become ill or injured as a result of a job-related accident, you will be missed by other employees working in your department. Employees have the responsibility to return to work at the earliest possible time, depending upon your physical abilities and/or restrictions.
The Company will actively seek to return disabled employees covered by workers' compensation to productive work as quickly as possible, in cooperation with the attending physician or health care provider.
If necessary, a temporary transitional job may be provided for you that is within your physical capabilities and consistent with company needs. Even working at a partial capacity will assist your fellow employees in completing the work. Efforts will be made to return you to your previous job, when possible.
Owner/Officer Signature_________________________________
Title__________________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

15. Sample Return-to-Work Agreement
Employee:__________________________________
The Company agrees that the following represents the restrictions under which you are able, and have agreed, to return to work as of (date).
Those restrictions are:___________________________
The Company will not require you to perform any tasks beyond those restrictions. If you are asked to perform such a task by any of our employees or supervisors, please decline. They may not be aware of your restrictions.
By signing below, you agree and verify that you will not do anything beyond the noted restrictions either here at work, beyond the work site, at home or at recreation until such time as the doctor has removed the restrictions and The Company has been notified to that effect.
Signature - The Company______________________________ Signature - Employee_________________________________ Date - _____________________________________________
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

16. Sample Return-to-Work Authorization Form
The Company has a transitional work program which provides temporary jobs that injured employees should be able to safely perform during their recovery periods. Completion of this form will allow us to identify an appropriate assignment for this employee. Thank you for your cooperation and prompt response.
EMPLOYEE___________________________ EMPLOYER____________________________
EMPLOYER CONTACT PERSON ___________________________ PHONE______________
DATE ____________________ APPLICABLE SHIFT DURATION ______________________
DIAGNOSIS_________________________________________________________________
WORK-RELATED_____ YES _____ NO NON WORK-RELATED _____ YES _____ NO
TREATMENT _______________________________________________________________
DISPOSITION:RETURN-TO-WORK DATE (NO LIMITATIONS) ________________________
RETURN-TO-WORK DATE (WITH LIMITATIONS) __________________________________
UNABLE TO WORK FROM ___________________ TO _____________________________
PROGNOSIS _______________________________________________________________
REFERRAL TO: CONSULTANT -DOCTOR _______________________ DATE__________
PHYSICAL THERAPY__________________________ FREQUENCY___________________
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

17. Sample Return-to-Work Authorization Form (continued)
WORK RESTRICTIONS:
RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO: WORK______ HOME_______LEISURE______
DURING THE APPLICABLE WORKDAY, THIS EMPLOYEE CAN:
____SIT ____ HOURS;____STAND _____HOURS; _____WALK____HOURS
EMPLOYEE CAN:Never ___Occasionally___Frequently___Continuously__
Lift and carry:
___up to 10 pounds; pounds ; ___ pounds ;
__ pounds ; ___ pounds ; ___ pounds
Reach above shoulders
Push/Pull
Climb
Crawl
Squat/Kneel
Bend/Stoop/Crouch
Balance
Twist upper body
Use hands dexterously
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group

18. For More RTW Ideas & Information…
Visit the Companion website at and click on the Loss Control tab.
Speak with your agent.
© 2004 Companion Property & Casualty Group