Return to Work Program
 Click on the appropriate ring in the image above to proceed to the desired program area. "It is usually in the patient's best interest to remain in the workforce"*
*Source: American Medical Association's A Physician's Guide to Return to Work - 2005
A key part of a comprehensive safety and workers’ compensation approach is an effective Return-to-Work program. Studies show that injured employees recover more quickly when they return to work as soon as medically possible after being injured on the job:
If the disability lasts less than 30 days – 75% of employees are likely to return to work.
If the disability lasts 6 months – 50% of employees are less likely to return to work.
If the disability lasts 1 year – 75% of employees are less likely to return to work.
The Return-to-Work Program enables employees to continue working after sustaining a work related injury, enables employers to retain skilled workers, and reduces workers’ compensation costs for the Commonwealth. ^Top
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Benefits of the Return-to-Work Program |
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EMPLOYER |
- Employee recovery time is shortened thereby reducing need for medical treatment.
- Injured employee remains active and productive.
- Concerns about continued employment are resolved and communication with employer is increased.
- Stress, boredom and depression from an injury/illness and from being unproductive are reduced or eliminated. Feelings of dependency and lack of control are alleviated.
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- Injured employee recovery time is shortened thereby reducing medical and disability costs.
- Work productivity is maintained.
- When an employee returns to work TTD benefits cease, thereby reducing workers’ compensation costs.
- Employers retain skilled and experienced workers.
- Employers’ interest and concern for the employees are reinforced and communication is enhanced.
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What is Temporary Modified Duty (TMD)? |
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The Return-to-Work Program provides an employer the opportunity to keep an employee at work after a work related injury by providing Temporary Modified Duty (TMD).
TMD is unique to each employer’s business needs.
While on TMD the employer alters the employee’s job tasks to fit in accordance with physician’s restrictions. These tasks may be a portion of the employee’s regular job or other tasks from other areas. As the employee’s physical abilities change, so will the TMD.
Managers should identify specific, productive and meaningful tasks that could be part of a TMD plan so that a plan can be implemented quickly when an injured employee returns to work.
Contact the RTW program for suggestions of the types of tasks that could be part of a TMD plan. ^Top
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Contact Us |
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Donna Shelton
Personnel Cabinet
Return to Work Program
State Office Building, 3rd Floor
501 High Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-0348
E-mail: Donna.Shelton@ky.gov
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