Why Should Your Business Have a Return-to-Work Program?
The longer an injured worker stays out of work, the more difficult it is to return. Return-to-Work (RTW) programs offer transitional or modified duty for injured workers in roles they are medically able to perform, helping employers save on hiring, retraining and workers’ compensation costs.
RTW success requires that you set clear goals and communicate program policies to all employees. It is important to maintain communication with injured workers, supervisors and medical providers throughout the recovery process.
How to Implement a Return-to-Work Program
- 1. Develop Clear Goals and Policies
Create a written policy and procedures that specifies that participating in a RTW program is mandatory when appropriate, medically cleared work is available. Set time limits on transitional duty. Consider alternative roles or accommodations for temporary and permanent impairments. - 2. Designate a Program Coordinator
- Make one person responsible for maintaining your RTW program and managing communications between injured workers, medical providers and NYSIF.
- 3. Identify Transitional Duty
- Perform a job-demands analysis of each position. Develop modified assignments that make use of a worker's skills and knowledge. Options include part-time work, temporary jobs, alternative tasks, job sharing, jobs in other departments.
- 4. Develop Standard Forms
- Modify sample forms to suit your needs.
- Return-to-Work Policy Statement
- Notice to NYSIF of a Potential Case for Return-to-Work
- Doctor Notification Letter
- Job Analysis Form
- Physical Capabilities Form (completed by the doctor)
- Availability Letter
- 5. Maintain Communications
- Communicate early and often with the NYSIF case manager, the injured worker, medical personnel and affected co-workers.
Managed by the New York State (NYS) Department of Labor, the Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program (WSLPIP) is a discount program that encourages NYS employers to create programs that will help reduce workplace injuries and workers’ compensation costs. Under this program, you may apply for a discount on your NYSIF workers’ compensation insurance premium for developing and implementing an approved return-to-work program.
| Program Year 1 | Program Year 2 | Program Year 3 | |
| Premium Credit % | 4% | 2% | 2% |
After the initial three-year WSLPIP period, you can apply to renew your policy discount. Then, if your application is accepted, your premium credit will be set at 2% for each year of the three-year renewal period. You may continue to reapply for a credit as long as you remain eligible and implement an approved return-to-work program.*
| Renewal Year 1 | Renewal Year 2 | Renewal Year 3 | |
| Premium Credit % | 2% | 2% | 2% |
A Certified Specialist must evaluate your proposed Return-to-Work Program and provide an Evaluation Report. You must submit this report, along with the Application for Approval (Workplace Safety & Loss Prevention Incentive Program Application for Approval (SH927)) and your proposed Return-to-Work Program to the NYS Department of Labor. A certified specialist can also help you develop an approved return-to-work program. To find a certified specialist, click here or see “Find a Certified Specialist to Assist in the Process” below. Once your RTW program has been approved, the Department of Labor will provide a "Certificate of Approval" to NYSIF for the policy credit to be implemented.
You could be eligible to save money on your workers’ compensation insurance with a premium discount if you create an approved return-to-work program and meet the following requirements:
- Annual workers’ compensation premium of at least $5,000, and
- An experience modification under 1.30
However, you are not eligible for the discount if you:
- Are an individually self-insured employer, or
- Are a NYSIF policyholder in a recognized safety group, or
- Are mandated to have a safety and loss prevention program under Section 134(1) of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Law.
Check out these resources from the NYS Department of Labor:
Department of Labor Model WSLPIP ProgramsHow to Apply for the Premium Credit
Find a Certified Specialist to Assist in the Process
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor
Attn: Program Manager - Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program
State Office Campus, Building 12, Room 167
Albany, NY 12226
Phone: (518) 485-9766
Email: WSLPIP@labor.ny.gov