Return to work and disability management What you should know about returning to work and preventing work disability Read more about Curtis's story. What is a return-to-work program? A return-to-work program is a documented process to identify and provide modified or alternate work (temporary or permanent) for workers who are injured in the workplace. A return-to-work program helps minimize the impacts of disability in the workplace. Workplace injuries hurt workers and employers. Evidence shows the most effective way to reduce the impacts of work related injures is for employers to develop practical and comprehensive return-to-work programs. A collaborative approach is recommended to facilitate organizational buy-in. This can be achieved by creating a return-to-work committee involving staff and the union if applicable. What is a return-to-work plan? A return-to-work plan is specific to the individual worker and takes into consideration their unique functional abilities skills, [...]