Believe it or not, getting back to work is a vital part of the injured worker’s healing process. In fact, studies show that injured workers who are absent for more than six months only have a 50 percent probability of returning to work at all. Offering modified duty work, which are tasks that have been modified to take physical restrictions into consideration as a part of your return-to-work program can bring an injured worker back to work quickly and impact recovery. You, as the employer, must plan for this possibility and offer modified duty tasks that take injured employees' physical restrictions into consideration.Other benefits of offering modified duty work include:

• Aids the achievement of a common goal – optimum recovery
• The injured workers stay connected with their employers
• Allows injured workers to focus on what they are able to do rather than on what they can’t
• Injured workers can maintain a normal work routine that contributes to their financial stability and mental well-being, which is beneficial to their relationships, both at work and at home
• Provides a functional measure of the injured workers’ recovery process

Modified duty also helps facilitate a strong working relationship between the employers, injured workers and treating physicians. Here are some tips for employers to take into account when considering modified duty tasks:

• Maintain copies of preplanned task lists so they may be available to injured workers and their treating physicians.
• Prepare for a tour of your business or job site by the treating physician, who may want to see what type of work is performed.
• Be flexible. When appropriate, the treating physician may prescribe work restrictions following each visit.
• Communicate with the treating physician when questions arise to ensure a safe return-to-work.

Modified duty is a powerful tool to manage the cost of claims, help injured workers safely return to work and help facilitate a strong working relationship with treating physicians.Remember, Martin Insurance Group is here to help. You can request additional information about return-to-work resources and services including examples of modified duty tasks by calling our office 970-963-6161 .