Creating a successful return-to-work program requires a team effort. Strong partnerships must be at the heart of any program, and each partner must clearly understand their role and responsibilities. When all partners work together and share their knowledge and expertise, a return-to-work program will run smoothly and efficiently.
Working to Well partners include:
- Employers
- Workers
- WorkSafeNB (case manager, medical adviser, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, rehabilitation specialist, psychologist or social worker)
- Health care providers
- Union representatives (if applicable)
Following are some responsibilities for employers, workers, WorkSafeNB and the health care providers to ensure success in working to well.
Employers
- Keep in touch with injured workers throughout the recovery process to show they are valued and help them retain a connection to the workplace.
- Offer meaningful and productive modified duties or other suitable work that is safe and within their capabilities.
- Be flexible and tailor a return to work plan to meet the worker’s individual needs.
- Identify potential barriers to a safe return to work.
- Ensure that supervisors and co-workers support injured workers during recovery and participate in the return to work process
- Communicate the return to work program to staff, including the processes they should follow if they have to use the program.
- Communicate and collaborate with all return-to-work partners.
- Employers have certain legislated responsibilities regarding claims and accident reporting.
- Monitor and evaluate the return to work program.
Workers
- Actively participate and co-operate in the return-to-work program, such as suggesting ideas on how to modify safe job duties.
- Participate in any medical aid or health care treatment to promote a safe recovery.
- Keep in touch with your employer and supervisor. Communication is key to success. Report both successes and issues.
- Communicate and collaborate with all return-to-work partners.
- Undergo a health care assessment or medical examination, if requested by WorkSafeNB or the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT).
- Workers also have responsibilities regarding claims and accident reporting.
(Workers can communicate directly and securely with the case manager through MyServices. )
WorkSafeNB
- Helps develop, manage and monitors return-to-work plans.
- Administers health care and wage loss benefits.
- Facilitate and attend meetings as required
- Become involved when concerns are raised, or when there is a dispute about a worker's capabilities or the work they are being asked to perform
- Determine if the employer has met re-employment obligations
- Co-ordinates and monitors the success of required health care and rehabilitation services.
- Communicates and collaborates with all parties involved in the return-to-work planning process.
- Manages worker and employer expectations.
Health Care Services Providers
- Provide WorkSafeNB with medical reports about the injury.
- Provide services to injured workers to help with their recovery and a safe return to work.
- Identify issues and barriers influencing return-to-work plans and make recommendations to address these issues.
- Manage the injured worker’s recovery expectations.
- Communicate and collaborate with all parties involved in the return-to-work process as required.
