Return to Work Information for Employers

A timely and safe return to work can help injured workers and their workplaces recover more quickly. Workplace injuries and illnesses are costly – to the worker, the employer and to society.

Return to work (RTW) programs can help injured workers to safely perform meaningful and productive work during their recovery process. RTW programs can include modified work, temporary alternate work or a gradual return to work.

For information about the benefits of a RTW program, refer to this pamphlet.

Return to Work Workshops

The WCB of Manitoba’s Safe Work Services Department offers two workshops that include information about RTW program development. The workshops are offered free of charge to employers and union representatives. To register or receive more information please email: safework@wcb.mb.ca.

1) WCB Basics: A Guide to Working with the Workers Compensation Board

The day will be spent focusing on the key points of interaction between WCB, Employers and Workers including rate setting/managing costs, reporting injuries, decision making, dispute resolution, claims management, and the benefits of return to work programs.
 

2) RTW Basics: A Guide to Developing or Enhancing your Return to Work Program

The objective of the Return to Work Basics workshop is to gain an understanding of the basic components and best practices required to develop or enhance a workplace return to work program. A well functioning RTW program will support injured workers in their safe and timely return to work and assist in managing their WCB rates.

The WCB recommends participating in the WCB Basics workshop prior to registering for the RTW Basics workshop.

For courses on injury prevention and other workplace safety topics, view this calendar on the SAFE Manitoba site
 

Return to Work Program Development

This pamphlet provides information about starting a return to work program for your workplace. This booklet describes best practices from Manitoba employers.

For information about consultants specializing in disability and risk management, refer to this resource guide.

Review this guide if you want to proactively manage situations where injured workers are unable to perform their jobs. This guide was developed through a grant from the WCB's Community Initiatives and Research Program (now called RWIP).

For help establishing a joint workplace disability management program, you may wish to purchase this manual from the National Institute of Disability Management and Research.

Return to Work Sample Documents

Developed by Employers:

This physical capabilities analysis form was developed by the SAFE Group, comprised of employees from eight companies in South Central Manitoba, who administer safety and health initiatives for more than 1,600 employees combined.
 

Developed through Grants from the WCB's Community Initiatives and Research Program:

If your company would like to develop roles and responsibilities for the following stakeholders involved in return to work matters, review this document:

• workers
• case manager
• primary healthcare provider
• union
• human resources
• insurance carrier
• workplace safety and health committee

Return to Work Program Evaluation

Consider using the return to work program audit tool if your company is looking to evaluate its return to work program or plans.

Return to Work Education

Visit the National Institute of Disability Management and Research for a comprehensive listing of disability management education programs and online training to assist you in your return to work duties.

If you have years of experience in the areas of disability management and/or return to work and would like to obtain professional certification, consider this option also offered by the National Institute of Disability Management and Research.

Duty to Accommodate

For information on the duty to accommodate (reasonable accommodation), the Manitoba Human Rights Commission has workplace guidelines and a checklist available for employers.

Re-employment Obligations

If you would like more information about obligations to re-employ injured workers, review this article, legislation, policy and regulation. This policy replaces Policy 43.20.20 , Modified or Alternate Work Return to Work with the Accident Employer, for accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2007.

If your worksite would like a presentation on the new re-employment obligations, contact Kim Keating, SAFE Work Coordinator at 954-4845 or 1-800-363-3340, extension 4845.

Additional Resources

For courses on injury prevention and other workplace safety topics, view this calendar on the SAFE Manitoba site.

For information on preventing and accommodating injuries through cost-effective ergonomic modifications, review this summary of 32 case studies. A workplace ergonomics resource guide for small business is also available.

Examine these case studies if you need assistance helping an injured worker return to work.

If one of your workers has a back injury, what he/she does about back pain is very important. This booklet has been prepared to show an injured worker how to care for his/her back during recovery.

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