A critical component in achieving successful Workers’ Compensation outcomes after a workplace accident is the implementation of a consistent and properly managed Early Return-to-Work (RTW) program. An Early RTW program is designed to get injured employees back to work in a modified or “light-duty” capacity while they recover. This not only boosts employee morale but can also improve a business’s experience modification factor and, ultimately, can affect the premium paid for insurance. Light duty can also bring value to the organization by having the worker complete minor tasks that are sometimes overlooked. Depending on restrictions, this could be cleaning out the break room, sorting parts, shredding excess paperwork, making and receiving phone calls, and managing your organization’s social media accounts.
An Early Return To Work Program Helps Minimize Lost-Time Claims
Workers’ Compensation insurance pays for medical care for employees who are injured on the job. Employees who are unable to return to work are compensated for their wage loss. Sometimes, an injured worker cannot return to work because the treating physician believes additional healing is necessary. However, treating physicians often believe an injured worker can return to work during the healing period but in a limited, light-duty capacity.
It is during this period when employers can make the biggest impact on their lost-time claims experience. This is because medical-only claims do not have the same adverse effect that paid lost-time benefits (wages) have on an employer’s loss experience. Claims costs are calculated differently when looking at an organization’s claims history and determining its experience modification factor. Most states value medical-only claims at 30%, while lost-time claims are valued at 100%. If an injured worker’s treating physician indicates that the employee can return to work during the healing period, the employer can reduce that claim’s value by 70%.
How Prescient National Helps with Early Return To Work
Prescient National Risk Managers help businesses evaluate their organization and brainstorm ideas for light duty. If none of the light duty tasks are feasible, we partner with Re-EmployAbility, a firm that utilizes their extensive network of non-profit organizations to provide light duty opportunities to injured workers. Their light duty jobs can accommodate a variety of work restrictions and also include work from home opportunities.
When a referral is sent to Re-EmployAbility, their team assesses the employee’s medical condition, work restrictions, and capabilities. The team works with healthcare professionals to obtain detailed information on the employee’s condition and any necessary accommodations. Based on the assessment, Re-EmployAbility begins their search to match the employee’s capabilities and restrictions with an available job within their network of non-profit organizations.
Employers Are Always Kept in the Loop
Re-EmployAbility serves as the liaison between the employer, the injured employee, and relevant stakeholders, such as medical providers, and us, the insurance carrier. Everyone is involved and kept informed, working together toward the employee’s successful return to work.
In addition, throughout the return-to-work process, Re-EmployAbility closely monitors the employee’s progress, maintains regular contact, and provides ongoing support. If any challenges arise, the team will address them and facilitate necessary accommodations. The team will also ensure a smooth transition back to full-duty work as the employee’s condition improves.
All necessary documentation, including medical records, work restrictions, and accommodation details, are properly managed and maintained by the Re-EmployAbility team.
Included in the program are performance metrics and reporting to employers to support the success of the Return to Work program. These metrics may include data on cost savings, reduced Workers’ Compensation claims, improved employee retention, and enhanced productivity.
An Early Return-to-Work program is designed to reduce disruptions and costs by assigning an employee temporary, transitional, or modified work duties. Early intervention allows the injured worker to maintain a positive connection to the workplace and can reduce employee frustration and concern while minimizing claims costs and potentially future premiums.
