INVESTIGATING AND REPORTING

Return to Work Program

What is a Return to Work (RTW) Program?

A RTW program is based on the philosophy that Employees can safely perform meaningful and safe work as part of their recovery process. Ideally, a RTW program will be developed cooperatively with Qualico, the Worker, the Worker’s healthcare provider, and any involved Regulatory Bodies (e.g. WCB / TDI-DWC).

Having a well-developed RTW program in a workplace is a proactive approach to helping injured Workers stay at work or return to safe and productive employment as soon as health permits following a workplace injury. The goal is to optimize recovery, facilitate safe and timely return to work, and to prevent further injuries. RTW strategies and policies should be in place prior to workplace injuries occurring.

Each Qualico division and Worker is unique. Therefore, RTW programs must evolve and be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual Workers and Qualico divisions. Key principles based on participation, communication, responsibility, and proactive early intervention will help ensure our program will be a success.

Why Have a RTW Program?

A timely and safe return to work can help injured Workers recover more quickly. There are financial, legal, and ethical reasons to have RTW programs in place to assist Workers with recovery following an injury. RTW programs benefit Workers, employers, and healthcare providers.

Preventing workplace injuries is also the most effective way to protect Workers and control an employer’s Workers compensation costs. When injuries do occur, an effective RTW program is the best way to minimize the impact of an injury, promote recovery, and manage associated costs.

Employer Benefits of a RTW Program

An effective RTW program can support the following business outcomes:

Retain valued and experienced Employees.
Reduce costs associated with training and recruiting replacement Workers.
Maintain productivity and team dynamics.
Improve workplace morale.
Reduce the costs of injuries.
Helps employers meet requirements set out by Applicable Legislation and Regulatory Bodies.

Who is Involved in a RTW Program?

A team approach to a RTW program works best. The team generally includes the Worker, employer, healthcare provider and any involved Regulatory Bodies (e.g. WCB / TDI-DWC).

RTW programs are workplace specific and workplace driven. Assistance from appropriate Regulatory Bodies is available to support the RTW process and will become involved if there is a dispute regarding RTW issues, or if a Worker or employer requires financial or technical supports for the RTW to be successful.

What is the Role of the Regulatory Body (e.g. WCB / TDI-DWC)?

Provide assistance if the Worker or employer requires financial or technical support to help the Worker RTW.
Become involved when there is a dispute about a Worker’s capabilities or the work they are being asked to perform.
Facilitate and attend RTW meetings as a part of the RTW team.
Monitor RTW and assist with wage loss payments.
Become involved where concerns are raised regarding the RTW processes.
Determine if the employer has met re-employment obligation.

What is the Role of the Employer in a RTW Program?

Offer Workers meaningful and productive modified or alternate duties that are safe and within their capabilities.
Be flexible such that the RTW program can be tailored and adjusted to meet the individual needs of the Workers and their recovery. There should be ongoing communication throughout the RTW process.
Communicate to Workers that the workplace has a RTW program and what processes they should follow if they have to use the program.
Communicate with injured Workers throughout the recovery process to show that they are valued and help them retain a connection to the workplace.
Ensure that Supervisors / Superintendents and co-Workers support injured Workers during recovery and participate in the RTW process.