Creating your return-to-work program

Good return-to-work practice is fundamental to managing the costs of workers' compensation claims. SFM takes a proactive approach in helping injured employees return to work. SFM also expects each employer to take at least the four basic steps that help return-to-work be successful.

As part of that process, SFM policyholders are asked to develop a written return-to-work program. If you have not yet developed your organization's return-to-work program, see the sample written program statement. Use it to create your own.

Your written program prepares your organization to bring injured employees back to work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your four-step program

1. Draft your policy. This is a statement to your employees expressing your formal commitment to return-to-work.
   
   
2. Appoint a claims coordinator. This is a specific individual in your organization to coordinate your workers' compensation activities.
   
   
3. Select a primary care provider. You'll want your injured employees to go to providers that practice occupational medicine and will work with you on return-to-work issues. Learn more about choosing a provider.
   
   
4. Identify transitional jobs. These provide opportunities for injured employees with medical restrictions to return to work even if they are unable to return to their pre-injury positions.

Transitional jobs may include part-time work, existing jobs with different physical requirements, jobs at reduced pay, alternated job tasks or modified jobs to accommodate physical limitations.

Put your program in writing

See a sample written program statement that incorporates these four steps. It may help you write one for your organization.

Besides submitting your written program to SFM, you should also let your employees know about it. Consider giving them copies or posting it where they will see it.

For a cursory review of your statement or program, contact SFM's Loss Prevention department at (952) 838-4200 or (800) 937-1181.

For additional resources, order SFM's CompTalk, "Advanced return to work: Enhance your program to make it even more effective" from SFM's online "Resource catalog" or call SFM Customer Service at (952) 838-4325 or (800) 937-1181 ext. 4325.