Returning to work speeds an injured worker's recovery and reduces the financial impact of a workers' compensation claim on the worker, the employer, and the workers' compensation system. Help an injured worker get back to work quickly, safely and, if necessary, with assistance.

Return to work options include:

• Working shorter hours.
• Performing transitional work. For example, a worker might perform some of his original duties or different duties with lighter physical demands.
• Performing a different job temporarily.
• Working in a modified job. "Job modification" means making adjustments to the work site, changing the job to meet the worker's limitations or providing tools, equipment, or appliances that allow the worker to work within his limitations.

Did you know

You can help control your claim costs by offering a job within your injured employee's medically documented restrictions. However, if L&I decides your injured employee qualifies for retraining, you will only have 15 days from when L&I approves development of a training plan to offer an appropriate permanent job. After this your employee won't be required to accept your offer.

Additional information

Early Return to Work.

Create a Light-Duty Job.

Employer's Return-to-Work Guide (F200-003-000).