After a work injury, the objective is to ensure the employee returns to work as soon as possible. It is costly for both if the injured worker is not being productive in some fashion. If the injured employee cannot return to work in a full-duty capacity, the employee may be able to come back in a modified-duty status.
Modified-Duty Explained
Modified-Duty Process in Workers’ Compensation is simply a version of productive employment that is custom-fit for the injured employee. The modified duties will be required to fit the needs of the company.
Usually, the work performed is seated depending on the injury involved and the restrictions set by the treating physician. The employee may have lift restrictions or may only be able to use one hand. The modified duties may be performed on a reduced schedule if needed. The specific duties allowed will be determined by the treating physician.
The physician is provided a list of duties that the employee completed before the injury. The treating physician will determine from those duties what the employee can manage. When the employee returns, ensure that the worker is not working beyond what is allowed by the physician.
It is very costly for the injured employee to be out of work for both the business and the employee. Follow proper guidelines and bring the employee back to work in a modified-duty capacity to ensure no more money or time is lost.