Prolonged absence from one’s normal role is detrimental to physical, mental and social well being.

Source: http://www.wsib.on.ca

Challenge

WSIB regulations incent employers to bring an injured employee back to work as soon as possible.

Often early return to work requires that the employee be given tasks that are within their physical capabilities.

Understanding the physical abilities of the injured employee is a challenge. Physicians are often reluctant to provide details of an individual’s physical abilities. In the absence of a detailed Physical Demands Analysis, the physician must rely on their patient to provide details of the physical requirements of their job. The employee may not be aware of available modified duties or the employer policy on modified duties.

Understanding the physical requirements of each job in relation to the diminished abilities by injury represents another challenge.

Are modified duties an open ended ticket? How do you develop a progressive return to full function plan with the clear goal of full functionality?

Solution

Focus Workplace Ltd. provides a detailed Physical Demands Analysis for each job function. When provided to a physician, this will allow them to determine what modifications, if any, are required for early and safe return to work.

Focus Workplace Ltd. reviews your PDAs on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are current.

A Focus Workplace Ltd. Independent Medical Evaluation provides answers to specific questions about an injured employee’s ability to perform certain functions. Often, an IME can be performed much faster than access to public health in Ontario. Should specific testing procedures be required, Focus Workplace Ltd. provides accelerated access to these procedures. When compared to WSIB penalties and charges, the cost of an IME and accelerated access to procedures is a bargain.

A successful Return to Work program must be clearly documented in Policies and Procedures. Focus Workplace Ltd. can assist you with the design, development and implementation of the Policies and Procedures.

Focus Workplace Ltd. provides Work Hardening/Job Shadowing services. These help an injured employee adapt their work methods to their injury.

Role of Focus Workplace

Dealing with Modified Duties as part of a Return to Work strategy is a challenge. Focus Workplace Ltd. will guide you through the process ensuring that your program meets the needs of both your company and the injured worker. By involving us early in the process, we will help you make good decisions by providing you with the information you need.

Contact Us

Anne Graham, Health Services Coordinator
Phone: 519 896-3330
Email: agraham@focusworkplace.com

Our Related Services

Physical Demands Analysis Job Site Analysis Independent Medical Evaluation Health Specialists Policy & Implementation Work Hardening Job Shadowing