Page 4 - AO 2nd QT 2017 CL

Light-Duty Return-to-Work
Employers may be missing many simple opportuni es to implement light-duty return-to-work programs that can help them reduce workers’ compensa on and training costs and maintaining the produc vity of their workforces.
An out of work employee has a 50% chance of returning
to work in the same posi on a er six months, but if the employee is out for one year, that chance drops to 25% and is virtually zero if they have been out for two years, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Sta s cs.
Return-to-work programs can bene t employers by maintaining the produc vity of their workforce, reducing
turnover and new employee training costs, reducing accident costs, and maintaining morale.
Returning employees can be assigned to jobs they can do by working with their doctors to nd out what their restric ons are and then assign them accordingly.