Bring the Employee Back to Work
You'll receive a Work Ability and Return-to-Work form from the employee's doctor stating the employee can return to work, types of jobs he can do and any restrictions. Then follow these steps:
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Red flags to watch for
when an employee is resistant
to return to work
If your injured employee:
- Seems dissatisfied with the temporary job
- "Shops" for doctors to keep her off work
- Complains of constant pain
- Is difficult to reach
- Misses doctor's appointments
- Has no desire to get well or return to work
Let your claims representative know right away. |
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Call your SFM claims representative
Explain the employees' status and whether there's a need to assign a transitional job because of medical restrictions.
- Call your employee to discuss work release and job opportunities
Arrange a return-to-work date. Inform the employee of job details and where, when and to whom to report.
- Put any transitional job offers in writing
Offering the job in writing is important for legal reasons. If you don't receive a response from the employee within a reasonable time, call your SFM claims representative.
See sample letter and job offer form (Word) 
- Facilitate smooth return to work
Welcome the employee back and help make the return positive.
- Allow the employee to perform only job tasks approved by the physician
Tell supervisors to respect medical restrictions. If the employee feels capable of more than what the restrictions allow, talk to your claims representative, who will talk with the physician.
- Continue to contact the employee and supervisor weekly
Make sure everything is going as planned. If you suspect the employee will be on transitional duty for six months or more, consider whether it will turn into a permanent position. Discuss your options with your claims representative.
- Document all contacts with the injured employee
Keep them in your claim file.
Following these steps can save your organization money and ensure your employee will return to work as soon as possible.
- Visit or call the employee right away
Explain workers' compensation, sick leave, disability and other available insurance benefits.
- Refer to SFM's injured employee brochure
The injured employee brochure explains workers' compensation benefits and answers common questions—so the employee is less likely to feel the need to call an attorney.
- Call the treating physician
Stay in contact. Discuss the employee's physical capabilities, return-to-work status and opportunities, and date of the next appointment. Physicians will keep employees off work if they don't have the information to determine whether the employee can do his or her job.
See example physician letter (Word)
Learn more about choosing a provider
- Contact your employee weekly
Discuss questions or concerns the employee has and ask about current capabilities.
- Call your SFM claims representative
Pass along any new information about the employee or claim.
- Use CompOnline® to look up information about the claim
Learn more about CompOnline
- Begin planning the employee's return to work
Have your plan ready so the employee can return as soon as it's medically possible, including possible temporary transitional jobs or tasks.
Terminating a problem employee who is receiving workers' compensation benefits can be costly. Consult with your claims representative to discuss costs associated with this so you can made a sound business decision.
Learn more about dealing with problem employees and situations
Related SFM resources
These resources, plus more on other topics, are available in SFM's Resource Catalog. |
