Return to Work (RTW) or Modified Work Program (MWP)

One good way to reduce the cost of claims is to install a RTW or MWP in your Company.

A brief summary of benefits:

§ You can significantly reduce temporary disability payments, one of the most expensive components in workers’ compensation.

§ You can avoid the replacement and training costs ofhiring new employees

§ Medical costs can be reduced

§ Legal costs can be reduced

§ Permanent disability can be reduced

§ Reduced impact on the experience modification yielding reduced premium cost.

§ Potential entitlement to premium rebate if job modification needs to become permanent.

§ You receive Production for the wages paid. (When an employee is home drawing temporary disability benefits, there is no production.)

§ Injured wmployees experience faster recoveries when back at work, psychologically as well as physically.

§ You will promote better morale among all employees

§ You gain control, direction and positive resolution of the claim.

§ The number of fraudulent claims will be reduced.

How to Modify Jobs:

§ Define the purpose of the position. What is to be accomplished?

§ List the duties of the job that the employee is restricted from.

§ Discuss with the disabled employee how they could do those duties differently.

§ If duties need to be eliminated, evaluate what duties could replace their absence to maintain a fully productive day.

§ Evaluate the cost of any alternatives.

§ Choose the most effective and cost efficient method available.

Possible Modification Options:

§ Assisting other workers

§ Reassignment of specific duties to others

§ Use of assistive devices

§ Purchase of special equipment

§ Job Station Modification

§ Job Restructuring

§ Work Schedule changes

§ Job Sharing

§ Provide an Alternate Job appropriate to the restrictions.

A Sample Policy for a Return to Work program will be provided by your request.