Return to work for workersWhy return to work?The goal of the WCB is to reduce the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses by assisting you with returning to work.Returning to work, including modified or alternate duties, can help you: Recover more quickly and completely from your injury. Maintain job stability, knowledge and relationships with co-workers. Stay connected and get back on track sooner and with less uncertainty about the future. Maintain financial stability and predictability with your regular earnings and benefits. What is return to work?Return to work programs are based on the philosophy that performing safe and suitable work is part of the recovery process. To that end, a return to work plan will help you get back to safe and suitable work as soon as possible, taking into account your physical and cognitive abilities following your injury.Return to work is a partnership that involves you, your employer, your healthcare provider and your union or representative (if applicable). Most of the time return to work arrangements are made with little involvement from the WCB.Your employer is expected to consider the following objectives in the following sequence:Return to the same work with the accident employer.Return to modified work with the accident employer.Return to different (alternate) work with the accident employer.You should always involve your WCB adjudicator or case manager if you have concerns , if there is a dispute on whether the return to work plan your employer has provided is appropriate, or if additional support is required.Your role as a workerAttend all healthcare appointments and follow your prescribed treatment plan. Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider what your abilities are while you recover. Keep in touch with your WCB adjudicator or case manager, and your employer to let them know how you are feeling. Tell your employer your abilities are, and what kind of work you might be able to do as you recover, to help them plan for your return to work. Take an active part in the planning of your safe and suitable return to work.The WCB’s roleYour WCB adjudicator or case manager will monitor your return to work plan, help with wage loss payments and authorize ongoing treatment as needed.If you and your employer need support to develop or revise your return to work plan, we will work with you. This can include, as needed:Helping to identify safe and suitable modified or alternate duties that are within your abilities. Arranging a review of your work area with you, your employer and your union. Attending return to work plan meetings as a part of the planning team. Becoming involved when there is a dispute or clarification is required about your abilities or work that you are being asked to perform.Determining if your employer has met re-employment obligations.What if you have concerns about your return to work plan?If you have concerns, or if there is a dispute on whether the return to work plan your employer has provided is appropriate, the WCB is here to help.Call your adjudicator or case manager, or call the general line at 204-954-4321 or 1-855-954-4321.Vocational rehabilitation servicesSome workers may not be able to return to work with their employer. In cases such as these, the WCB may refer you to vocational rehabilitation.During vocational rehabilitation, you and the WCB work together to make a plan to help you return to work. You will work with a WCB vocational rehabilitation consultant (VRC) who will be your main contact. Your case manager will still manage your claim.Click here for more information on vocational rehabilitation.Return to work resourcesCommunication and successful return to work video Common return to work challenges video What are modified and alternate duties video Functional abilities forms video Manitoba Human Rights Commission Canada Labour Code Institute of Work and Health Return to work information for employers Learn more Return to work information for healthcare workers Learn more
