Work and recovery
Work Disability Prevention
Work disability occurs when a worker is unable to remain at work or return to work due to an injury or illness.
Work Disability Prevention includes workplace activities, programs, and policies designed to support injured or ill workers. A common misconception is that taking time away from work is the best path to recovery. However, evidence shows that, for most people, remaining connected to work during recovery supports better health, well-being, and long-term outcomes.
The benefits of recovering at work can include improved physical and psychological wellbeing, increased confidence and self-esteem, and stronger social bonds with co-workers.
Returning to work
The longer an injured worker is away from the workplace, the more complex their recovery can become. Workers who stay at work doing modified, transitional, or accommodated duties following a workplace injury often recover faster.
That said, some workers may need time away from work as part of their recovery. They may have serious injuries that require hospitalization or surgery, a psychological injury as a result of exposure to trauma, or a need for frequent and complex medical treatments. Even in these cases, returning to work in some capacity as soon as possible helps with recovery and overall health and wellness.
Return to work plans
A safe and timely return to work is an important part of recovery after a work-related injury or illness. Return to Work Plans (RTWPs) play a vital role in a Work Disability Prevention Program (WDPP) by supporting you throughout the recovery and return-to-work process.
Within a WDPP, generic plans are developed based on the key job functions for each job or group of jobs. This is a solid starting point that can be individualized to meet the needs of a recovering worker, based on their limitations and restrictions.
The plan is individualized to each worker. Some options for RTWPs include a gradual increase in hours, transitional or modified duties, identification of other suitable work, work conditioning, or a multi-disciplinary program to build strength and stamina combined with a transitional RTWP.
RTWPs are made using a collaborative approach and designed specifically around the worker’s abilities and the suitable work that is available. This process can be further supported if your employer has an existing WDPP – this can make return to work safer and quicker. The most successful RTWPs involve the worker losing as little time away from work as possible.
Workers, employers, and health care providers have a responsibility to facilitate a safe and timely return to suitable and available work.