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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUppLEMENT TO THE WINNIpEg FrEE prESS - WEdNESdAy, OcTOBEr 22, 2014
What is a Return to Work (RTW) Program? Preventing workplace injuries is the most effective way to protect workers and control an employer’s workers compensation costs. When injuries do occur, an effective RTW program is the best way to minimize the impact of an injury, promote recovery, and manage associated costs. Each workplace and worker is unique. Therefore, RTW programs must evolve and be customized to meet the specific needs of individual workers and workplaces. Key principles based on participation, communication, responsibility, and early intervention will help ensure your program will be a success. Why Have a RTW Program? A timely and safe return to work can help injured workers recover quicker. There are financial, legal, and moral reasons to have RTW programs in place to help workers recover after an injury. RTW programs benefit workers, employers, unions and health- care providers. Who is involved in a RTW program? A team approach to a RTW program works best. The team generally includes the worker, employer, health-care provider and, when requested by the worker, their union representative or other worker representative. RTW programs are workplace specific and workplace driven. The WCB is available to support the RTW process, and will become involved if there is a dispute regarding RTW issues, or if a worker or employer requires financial or technical supports for the RTW to be successful. What is the role of the WCB? • Help with financial or technical support • Become involved if there is a dispute • In certain cases, facilitate and attend RTW meetings as a part of the RTW team • Monitor RTW and assist with wage loss payments • Become involved where there are concerns • Determine if the employer has met re-employment obligations WCB Can help you manage an effeCtive RetuRn to WoRk pRogRam
Employer Benefits of a RTW Program • Retains valued employees • Reduces costs associated with training and recruiting replacement staff • Helps maintain productivity • Improves workplace morale • Reduces the costs of injuries • Helps employers meet legal requirements related to Human Rights and WCB re-employment legislation
What is the Role of the Employer?
• Offer workers meaningful modified or alternate duties • Be flexible so that the RTW program can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the workers. • Communicate your RTW program • Communicate with injured workers throughout the recovery process to show that they are valued and help them retain a connection to the workplace • Ensure that supervisors and co-workers support injured workers during the process
Expect to hear more about RTW in 2015 as the WCB reaches out to employers and health-care providers. For more information, visit us on the web at www.wcb.mb.ca.
Injuries prevented and lives saved that’s the VALUE of SAFEWork safemanitoba.com
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