Return To Work & Disability Management

A Return-to-Work (RTW) program is sometimes called a Disability Management Program, Modified Work Program, Alternate Duties Program or Claims Management Program. It is a clearly developed plan to accommodate a work-related disability in the workplace, providing alternate or modified work for injured workers. 

RTW helps workers when they are at their most vulnerable – when they’ve been injured or become ill.  Studies have shown that workers often recover faster and have a better chance of returning to full-time employment if they return with modified work rather than recovering at home. After a six-month absence, there is only a 50% chance that an injured worker will return to the job.  After one year, that chance drops to 20%, and after two years, to 10%.

 RTW can also help an injured worker’s family cope with the impact of disability.

While on RTW, an injured worker is:

• less likely to fall into depression
• less likely to feel alone and helpless
• RTW protects worker benefits, and maintains the worker’s C.P.P. and E.I.

RTW programs result in financial benefits to employers through maintaining and cross-training staff, and lowering WCB premium costs.