WHAT is it?
A RTW program is a document that each and every employer in
the province must have. It helps fulfill the legal obligation of duty to
accommodate. You, the employer, must make every reasonable attempt
to help an injured worker return to the workplace. This may
require changes to the job, workstation or, in some cases, finding
other temporary duties. You cannot dismiss or treat an employee
differently because of an injury or illness. Accommodating injured
workers helps them remain a part of the team. It can allow valueadded
work to get done and it lowers your overall costs. If your injured
worker is still at home or in hospital, you have a duty to keep
in contact with him or her.
WHERE and WHEN will this impact my
business?
Since Jan. 1, 2013, the entire province of Saskatchewan has been
covered by this legislation. All worksites belonging to a company
must be covered by your plan.
WHY was this legislation introduced?
As previously noted, an injured worker who is enabled to return to
their workplace in an accommodated position is far more likely to
return to full-time regular duties far faster than those who are not.
When an injured worker is off work, the employer is losing money
in several ways.
First, it affects your Workers Compensation Board (WCB) premiums
negatively. All lost-time injuries will lead to an increase of
premiums that will affect all your staff wages. You will also have to
replace the injured worker with another temporary hire or overtime
costs to keep up productions. Third, you are still being billed in the
background for the wages the WCB provides to the injured party.
Finally, you’re impacted by the slowdown of production and the loss
of morale, which can negatively affect the worksite overall.
RTW programs are an important aspect of recovery and claims
management. Having documented procedures in place can save
your business money in lost time, productivity and morale. That
said, any injury can be deemed too many and your company may be
viewed as an unsafe workplace and that could cost you contracts or
the ability to bid on jobs.
A little preventative management up front in the preparation and
delivery of a quality RTW program can save your company’s premiums,
reputation and productivity.
Tracy Slywka is the co-owner of Injury Solutions
Canada. For more information on the services they
offer, visit www.injurysolutionscanada.ca.
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