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Return to Work

A return to work program (Work Reintegration) provides an injured worker with suitable and available work, allowing them to recover while performing safe accommodated work. A return to work program can support the worker’s active recovery, keep a valued worker in the workplace, and limit WSIB costs. Learn more about your return to work responsibilities and how to design a return to work program.

Overview

  • Supporting the worker’s active recovery
  • Keeping a valued worker in the workplace
  • Limiting WSIB costs

There is no legal requirement to have a return to work program, but proactive firms should consider applying these processes where opportunities are available/practical.

Return to Work Responsibilities

RoleResponsibilityTimeframe
Injured Worker

Notify supervisor/employer of the Injury

Immediately or as soon as possible

Have the treating health care provider complete a Form 8

Let the health care provider know that your employer offers modified duties.

Provide a copy of page 2 to your employer

Return page 2 of Form 8

That day or before the start of their next scheduled shift

Fill out a Form 6 Worker’s Report of Injury

As soon as possible or during the next scheduled day at work

Cooperate with employer to identify suitable modified duties

After injury occurs

Maintain communication with the employer and WSIB during recovery period

Obtain an updated FAF as requested

Notify employer and WSIB if there are difficulties or disputes with RTW plan

After injury occurs

You (Employer)

Report Injury to WSIB (Form 7)

Immediately report a Critical Injury to MOL (877-202-0008)

Complete a Form 7 within three days of becoming aware of work-related injury or illness and submit to WSIB within seven days

Identify suitable available modified duties with the worker (using the FA information) and complete a Return to Work Plan

After injury occurs

Communicate with the worker and WSIB during recovery period

Request an updated FAF, as required

Document and advise WSIB of RTW efforts and RTW Plan

Regular communication and check-ins until worker is able to return to regular duties

WSIB

Support the employer and worker with return to work assistance

Ensure cooperation of the employer and injured worker

On-going

Treating Physician or Practitioner

Complete a Form 8 and the FAF information

As requested, to update worker’s physical abilities

As a small businesses, you may not have suitable and available work to offer an injured employee. If you are unsure about your obligation to offer Return to Work, begin by contacting the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB).

Designing a Return to Work Plan

A successful return to work plan will:

  • provide safe, productive work that has value
  • provide suitable work that is consistent with the worker’s functional abilities and skill and does not aggravate their condition
  • restore the worker’s pre-injury earnings as closely as possible (Note if there is a reduction in pay following injury, WSIB will pay for 85% of difference. Claim will be identified by WSIB and the MOL as lost time injury even though employee is at work.)
  • determine the duration of the modified work at the beginning of the program (Note this is subject to change and adjustment during recovery period, but there should be a plan for eventual return to regular duties if at all possible.)
  • ensure that the worker can continue to follow the company’s policies and procedures
  • adjust the RTW plan as changes or circumstances occur

If you have questions or need advice regarding a dispute with a WSIB claim, you can contact the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) at 800-387-0774. The OEA is an independent agency of the Ministry of Labour and provides free, confidential services to small business.

See the Resource section for additional Return to Work resources.

Downloads

Return to Work Flowchart | A flowchart that explains the return to work duties and obligations of the employer, supervisor and worker. Employers are encouraged to use, reproduce, or customize this document / template to meet their health and safety requirements.

Return to Work Weekly Progress Report | A return to work progress form should be filled out starting on the first day the employee is back to work and on the first shift at the start of each week, until the completion of the Return to Work Procedure and the injured employee has returned to regular pre-injury duties. Employers are encouraged to use, reproduce, or customize this document / template to meet their health and safety requirements.

Modified Duty Plan (>6 workers) | A useful template to manage workers who require a modified duty plan on their return to work. Employers are encouraged to use, reproduce, or customize this document / template to meet their health and safety requirements.

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