Developing a return to work program

Why Develop a Return to Work Program?

Preventing accidents is the best way to limit the direct and indirect costs associated with workplace injuries. If an employee is injured, an effective return to work program can help manage the costs and help bring an injured employee back to work as soon as medically possible.

According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), injury rates since 1990 have declined by almost 55 percent. Unfortunately, indemnity and medical costs have continued to rise.

Preventing accidents is the best way to limit the direct and indirect costs associated with workplace injuries. If an employee is injured, an effective Return to Work Program can help manage the costs and bring an injured employee back to work as soon as medically possible.

When injured employees are off work, it can affect the bottom line

The longer an injured employee is off work, the less likely they are to return. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) research shows that if an injured employee is off work fewer than 30 days, there is a 75 percent chance that the injured employee will come back to work.

The longer an employee is off work, the lower the chance they will return to work. And after two years off, there is almost no chance of a return to work. In September of 2016, according to statistics from the BLS, the average cost of workers compensation per hour worked was $32.27 in the private sector.

By bringing the injured employee back to work, the workers compensation costs are being reduced. And studies have shown that injured employees is more likely to return to their original job if they are brought back to work in a transitional role as opposed to not working at all during their recovery process.

Regular communication shows employer concern, keeps the employer updated on the injured employee’s medical status, and can make the injured employee more eager to return to work.

Have a Return to Work Program policy

Managing employee injuries should be as much a part of the organizational focus as any other operational issue.

There are two essential elements to have a successful Return to Work Program. First, the employer must have a strong commitment to returning injured employees back to work as soon as medically possible. There must also be on-going communication with Grinnell Mutual’s Claims Department, the injured employee, and, if necessary, medical care providers throughout the recovery process.

Grinnell Mutual’s Loss Control department can help you put together a customized return to work program for your organization with its resource, Developing a Return to Work Program.

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