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 clear goals and policies communicated by top management 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
Have a written policy and procedures specifying that participation is mandatory when appropriate, medically-cleared work is available. Establish 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 the program and managing correspondence to and from injured workers, medical providers and NYSIF.
- 3. Identify Transitional Duty
- Perform a job-demands analysis of each position. Develop modified assignments by making use a worker's skills and knowledge. Options: part-time work, temporary jobs, alternative tasks, job sharing, jobs in other department
- 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.
Per the Department of Labor, the purpose of a Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program (WSLPIP), including a Qualified Return-to-Work Program, is to help reduce the number and severity of injuries to employees covered by the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board. Under this program, you may apply for a credit to your NYSIF workers’ compensation insurance premium for developing and implementing a Qualified Return-to-Work Program.
| Program Year 1 | Program Year 2 | Program Year 3 | |
| Premium Credit % | 4% | 2% | 2% |
After the initial three-year period, and upon renewing for the policy credit, the credit will be reduced to 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 a Qualified Return-to-Work program.
| Renewal Year 1 | Renewal Year 2 | Renewal Year 3 | |
| Premium Credit % | 2% | 2% | 2% |
A Certified Specialist must evaluate the proposed Return-to-Work Program for approval by the Department of Labor. These Certified Specialists can also be contracted to help develop Qualified Return to Work Programs.
You could be eligible to save money on your worker's compensation costs with a premium credit if you create an approved return-to-work program and fit 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 incentive credit if you:
- Are an individually self-insured employer, or
- Are a State Insurance Fund policy holder in a recognized safety group, or
- Are mandated to have a safety and loss prevention program under Section 134(1) of the Workers’ Compensation Law.
Here are additional resources from the Department of Labor on the process:
Department of Labor Model WSLPIP ProgramsHow to Apply for the Premium Credit
Find a Certified Specialist to Assist in the Process
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