Returning to work after a workplace injury can be a significant milestone in your recovery journey. While it’s a positive step, it’s important to ensure that you reenter the workplace safely to avoid further injuries or complications. Understanding how to transition back to work while protecting your health and well-being is essential.
Communicate with Your Employer and Doctor
Clear communication is crucial when returning to work after an injury. You need to make sure your employer and doctor are on the same page regarding your health status and work restrictions. Here’s how to approach it!
Get a Clear Medical Release
Before returning to work, ensure you have a written medical release from your doctor outlining any restrictions or accommodations necessary to protect your health. This might include limitations on lifting, standing or performing repetitive tasks.
Discuss Accommodations with Your Employer
If your injury requires accommodations, such as modified duties or a lighter workload, have an open conversation with your employer. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you have the right to reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job safely.
Regular Check-ins
Once you’re back at work, maintain ongoing communication with your doctor and employer. If your condition changes or if the accommodations aren’t working, address it promptly to prevent further injury.
Ease into Your Work Routine
After being off work due to an injury, jumping right back into your previous routine can be overwhelming and potentially harmful. Easing back into your work tasks is critical.
Start with Light Duty
If your employer offers light duty or transitional work, take advantage of it. Light-duty tasks are specifically designed to help injured workers return to their normal duties at a comfortable pace.
Follow Your Restrictions
It can be tempting to push yourself, especially if you’re eager to get back to your usual routine. However, it’s important to respect the restrictions set by your doctor to avoid re-injury.
Gradually Increase Workload
As your recovery progresses, you may be able to take on more tasks or return to your full workload. Work closely with your employer and doctor to ensure you increase your workload safely.
Follow Proper Ergonomic Practices
For many employees, workplace injuries arise from poor ergonomics or repetitive stress. When returning to work, take extra care to ensure your workspace is designed to prevent future injuries.
Adjust Your Workspace
Whether you work at a desk or in a more labor-intensive job, ergonomic adjustments are essential. Ensure your desk setup, tools, and machinery are optimized to minimize strain on your body.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
If your job involves lifting, follow the proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, keep your back straight and lift with your legs, not your back. Avoid lifting heavy items if you have restrictions from your injury.
Monitor for Signs of Re-injury
As you return to work, it’s important to be aware of any signs that you may be overexerting yourself. If you experience pain, discomfort or fatigue, this could be an indication that you are doing too much too soon. Pay attention to the following warning signs.
Pain or Discomfort
If you experience pain in the area of your injury or elsewhere, stop what you’re doing and assess the situation. Continuing to work through pain can exacerbate your injury or create new issues.
Swelling or Stiffness
Swelling, stiffness, or a decreased range of motion are signs that your injury may not be healing properly or that you are aggravating the affected area.
Fatigue
Returning to work too quickly or without sufficient recovery time can result in excessive fatigue, which may increase your risk of accidents or re-injury. If you feel overly tired or unwell, it’s important to slow down and allow yourself time to rest.
Know Your Workers’ Compensation Rights
When you return to work after an injury, it’s essential to know your rights under workers’ compensation laws. Workers who have been injured on the job are entitled to specific protections.
Continued Medical Care
Even after returning to work, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for ongoing medical treatment. Ensure that your medical expenses and rehabilitation costs are still covered as part of your claim.
Partial Disability Benefit
If your injury prevents you from returning to full duty or full-time hours, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits. These benefits can help compensate for lost wages due to reduced earning capacity.
Protection Against Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who file a workers’ compensation claim or who need accommodations for their injuries. If you experience retaliation, such as being demoted, having your hours cut or being terminated, seek legal advice immediately.
Returning to work after a workers’ compensation injury can be a challenging transition, but with the right safety measures in place, it can also be a smooth and successful experience. By communicating openly with your employer and doctor, following ergonomic practices, and staying mindful of your body’s limitations, you can reduce the risk of re-injury and ensure a safe return to the workplace. If you encounter any issues during your return, such as denied accommodations or signs of retaliation, set up your free consultation with our team to ensure your rights are protected.