Getting Injured Workers Back to Work….even Contractors
Posted by Debbi Kuhne on Tue, Jun 01, 2010 @ 10:09 AM
You have heard about the benefits and cost savings if you bring an injured contractor back to modified duty. But, how can an injured worker bring any value to a construction site?
Before we examine ideas on return to work, first we need to recognize that "RTW" is beneficial for both the employee and employer. Statistics show that workers who remain in their regular routine recover quicker then those that don't! In fact, the majority of injured workers who are out of work for 12 weeks or more never return to their original jobs. The benefit to the employer? Why reduced workers comp claim costs of course and therefore, a positive impact on your experience mod and the morale of your work force!
Your employee handbook should include your "RTW" policy. This policy should clearly state that modified duty will be provided when possible, for a limited time period. The limited time period is important as you most likely do not have a modified duty position that can be a permanent position.
So, now that we have covered the benefits of returning injured workers and the importance of having a statement in your employee handbook, you are still saying "but we don't have anything for him/her to do". When it comes to modified duty you should first look at what can be temporarily changed in the worker's usual job - can someone else do the heavier lifting? But if there is absolutely no way to modify the current job, you may need to be a bit creative in providing meaningful and productive work. Is it time for an inventory review? Can the person (within their restrictions) be a safety or traffic person at the Construction Site? Do you have paperwork to be done in the jobsite trailer? Did you know that you can even pay your employee while they work at the local soup kitchen, library, or retirement home? As long as the employer is providing modified work within the medical restrictions and the employee gives their consent, the employee and the employer are both benefiting!
The next time you have an injured worker released to modified duty don't immediately say "We're a Construction Company, what can they possibly be thinking". Instead, think outside the box and help the injured worker recover quicker and help you to save workers compensation claim dollars.