Return to work
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It is important that employers take an active role in the claim. This includes
offering modified duty, or light work, in order to bring an injured worker back
to work as soon as possible.
Modified duty
Modified duty positions generally are not permanent. They are transitional
jobs designed to bring the worker back to work in a position that meets the
doctor's restrictions. Modified duty can be accomplished by altering the
current job or temporarily transferring the worker to another job. The
job should be offered in writing and have a written job description.
The employer should contact the claims examiner when considering a modified duty
job. If the modified duty position pays less than the injured worker's
regular pay, temporary partial compensation may be payable.
If an injured employee declines a legitimate offer of a modified duty job
approved by the treating physician, there could be a basis to stop compensation
benefits.
Vocational rehabilitation
If it is anticipated that an injured worker will be unable to perform his or her
regular job duties, the State Insurance Fund may request the assistance of a
rehabilitation consultant.
The Idaho Industrial Commission offers free rehabilitation services to Idaho
workers injured on the job. They work with the injured worker, the employer,
the State Insurance Fund, and the physician to return the worker to
employment. Their services include:
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Determining the physical requirements of the job.
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Developing job modifications to accommodate restrictions from a disability.
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Working with the employer to develop alternative work opportunities.
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Assisting injured workers in developing new work goals if they cannot return to
their prior employment.
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