Return to Work: A Foundational Approach to Return to Function

This paper is prepared by the IAIABC Disability Management and Return to Work Committee.

Return to work plays a significant role in the health and recovery of the individual, the reduction of disability, and the improvement of productivity and security. It also mitigates significant costs to employers, taxpayers, and society. When some individual remains connected to the workplace and continues to make a positive contribution to society, recovery rates and life expectancy improve. It is important to note that this paper examines the injuries that cause a worker to have lost time at work. Most injuries do not lead to lost time; with medical treatment, the worker returns to work before lost time begins. It is commonly understood that 5-10% of workers’ compensation claims account for 80-90% of claims costs. Click here to view the paper.