Return to work

Return to work program information for healthcare providers

A return to work program is based on the philosophy that many workers can perform safe and suitable work as part of their recovery process. The key to a successful return to work program is a partnership among workers, employers, healthcare providers and, when required, the WCB. Return to work programs can involve modified or alternate duties and sometimes a gradual return to work.

As a healthcare provider, you have an important role in helping to maintain the health of your patients and promoting activities and plans that benefit their health, active recovery, and safe and suitable return to work. Developing strategies for occupational rehabilitation begins with the patient’s first visit, guided by the principle that a safe and suitable return to work is the desired outcome.

The return to work plan may be initiated at the request of the injured worker, the employer, WCB staff, or the worker’s healthcare provider, any of whom can identify an opportunity for work as part of recovery. WCB supports are available to assist in the planning, coordination and monitoring of a return to work plan.

Your roles as a healthcare provider

• Diagnose and treat the illness or injury following an evidence-based approach. 
• Advise and support the injured worker. 
• Communicate a worker’s abilities with the worker and the employer. 
• Work with other involved healthcare professionals to facilitate the injured worker’s recovery and safe and suitable return to work in a timely manner. 
• Complete the WCB reports promptly and send them directly to the WCB.

Why return to work is essential to recovery

Return to work is an essential component of recovery from workplace injuries and illnesses.

• There is substantial evidence to support the positive link between work and health (physical, mental and social). 
• Absence from work often contributes to declining health, slower recovery times and longer duration of disability. 
• Maintaining and restoring working capacity improves function, recovery and prognosis. 

When asked to assess an injured worker’s abilities, the focus should be on functional abilities and limitations. Recommendations should always be medically indicated and as objective and specific as possible.

Facilitating your patient’s return to work

• Begin discussing the patient’s return to work at the first visit if appropriate. 
• Establish timelines – the earliest date the patient can safely return to modified or alternate duties – and the potential date the patient can safely resume their full duties. 
• Encourage the patient to maintain frequent contact with their employer. 
• Become familiar with the physical demands and safety hazards of the patient’s work. 
• Provide the worker and the WCB with timely and detailed information on the worker’s ability to return to regular, modified or alternate duties. 

Modifications may include: 

• Physical (e.g., can lift up to 20 lbs.) 
• Cognitive (e.g., limit periods of sustained concentration) 
• Schedule (e.g., usual shift schedule starting at four hours per day) 
• Medical equipment or devices (e.g., purchase of a sit/stand stool) 
• Environmental (e.g., limit exposure time to certain chemicals) 

This will help the employer identify safe and suitable work for the injured worker as they continue to recover.