What Are Return To Work Programs And Why Start One

4
min read
Seth Brown
Table of Contents

Return to Work (RTW) programs help injured electricians get back on the job safely after an illness or injury. These programs benefit both workers and electrical contracting companies. RTW programs cut workers' comp costs, keep productivity up, and lower insurance rates. They also help keep skilled electricians on the team. Research shows that for every dollar spent on RTW programs, companies can save $8-10. In the competitive electrical industry, where keeping good workers is tough and costs keep rising, RTW programs offer a practical fix. They create safer job sites, boost productivity, and save money. This article breaks down how RTW programs work and why electrical contractors should start one.

What Are Return to Work Programs?

RTW programs are plans that help employees who got hurt at work get back to their jobs. For electrical contractors, these programs matter a lot because electrical work can be dangerous.

RTW programs aim to:

  • Enable injured workers to return to suitable work activities
  • Facilitate faster recovery and reduce financial impact on employees
  • Help employers retain experienced workers
  • Reduce costs associated with workplace injuries
  • Improve overall productivity

Electrical contractors are encouraged to develop written RTW policies in collaboration with their workers' compensation insurance carriers.

Benefits of Return to Work Programs

For Electrical Contractors

  • Less chance of fake claims and misuse of workers' comp
  • Lower costs and possible savings on injury payments
  • Keeps employees billable on projects
  • Decreased recovery time for injured workers
  • Keeps experienced electricians working
  • Improved communication between employees, employers, and medical providers

For Employees

  • Maintained earnings during recovery
  • Improved morale for both injured and non-injured workers
  • Faster recovery through mental and physical conditioning
  • Continued social contact with colleagues
  • Enhanced sense of security and stability
  • Better communication with employers and medical providers

Creating a Return to Work Program

To create a successful Return to Work program, electrical contractors should consider the following steps:

  1. Establish clear, written policies
  2. Define program components
  3. Utilize resources and guidelines from relevant authorities
  4. Act quickly when injuries occur
  5. Document the entire process thoroughly
  6. Focus on re-employability

Light Duty Programs for Electrical Contractors

Light duty programs are a crucial component of RTW strategies for electrical contractors. These programs offer modified work assignments that accommodate an injured worker's physical limitations during recovery.

Benefits of light duty programs include:

  • Accelerated employee recovery
  • Reduced claim costs
  • Maintained workforce productivity
  • Improved employee morale
  • Decreased likelihood of litigation

Job Modifications for Electrical Workers

Electrical contractors can offer various light duty options to accommodate recovering workers:

  • Inventory management
  • Safety inspections
  • Training and mentoring junior electricians
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Project planning and documentation
  • Administrative tasks related to electrical projects

Implementing a Return to Work Program

To successfully implement an RTW program, electrical contractors should:

  1. Create detailed written job descriptions for modified duties
  2. Communicate policies clearly to all employees
  3. Establish partnerships with medical providers familiar with electrical work
  4. Initiate the RTW process within seven days of an injury
  5. Maintain regular communication with injured workers
  6. Monitor and adjust duties as needed based on recovery progress

Tracking RTW Program Success

Electrical contractors can gauge how well their RTW programs work by:

  • Counting days saved before full return
  • Checking if modified duties help recovery
  • Asking workers about their experience
  • Looking at overall injury claim costs

Crunching the Numbers on RTW Programs

To see if RTW programs pay off, electrical contractors should look at:

  • How much money they save on each claim
  • Whether workers heal faster with the program
  • If productivity stays up when people work modified jobs
  • How long injury claims last compared to before
  • What workers say about the program
  • How many people successfully return to full duty
  • Whether insurance costs go down over time

Common Return to Work Program Obstacles and Solutions

Electrical contractors may face obstacles when implementing RTW programs, such as:

  • Resistance from employees or supervisors
  • Difficulty finding suitable modified duties
  • Coordination with medical providers

Solutions to these challenges include:

  • Educating staff about the benefits of RTW programs
  • Developing a diverse range of light duty options
  • Building strong relationships with healthcare providers experienced in treating electrical injuries

Return to Work programs are valuable tools for electrical contractors. They protect workers, keep jobs running smoothly, and make businesses stronger. By setting up a good RTW program, you create a workplace that looks after your team and your profits. Smart electrical contractors make RTW programs a top priority. These programs build safer job sites where employees feel supported and can do their best work. In the end, a solid RTW program helps your electrical contracting business stay competitive amongst the strong competition out there.

FAQs

How long after an injury should electrical contractors wait to start a return to work program?

Start the return to work process within 7 days of an injury to maximize its effectiveness.

What types of light duty work can injured electrical workers perform?

Electrical contractors can offer light-duty tasks including inventory management, safety inspections, mentoring apprentices, equipment maintenance, and project documentation.

Does a return to work program reduce workers' compensation costs for electrical contractors?

Yes, return to work programs reduce workers' compensation costs by lowering claim durations and improving safety records.

Can apprentice electricians participate in return to work programs?

Yes, apprentice electricians can participate with modified duties that align with their current skill level and physical capabilities.

Does a return to work program lower an electrical contractor's EMR rating?

Yes, return to work programs lower Experience Modification Rate (EMR) by reducing the severity and duration of workers' compensation claims.

Are return to work programs legally required for electrical contractors?

No, requirements vary by state. Electrical contractors should check their local regulations for specific return to work program requirements.

How do electrical contractors measure return to work program success?

Electrical contractors can measure success through metrics like reduced claim costs, shorter disability durations, improved employee retention, and overall worker satisfaction.

What role do medical providers play in electrical contractor return to work programs?

Medical providers help assess an injured worker's capabilities, provide treatment plans, and offer guidance on appropriate work modifications for electrical contractors implementing return to work programs.

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Buildforce matches you with pre-vetted and qualified candidates with skills that match your project needs.