Return to Work Program

Time is the enemy. In workers' compensation it is the single biggest obstacle in controlling costs. In essence, the faster you get someone back to meaningful work, the better it is for everyone.

A New Approach

The motto of the Middle Cities Workers' Compensation Fund (FUND) is "A New Approach." One key component to our "new approach" is an emphasis on using a Return to Work (RTW) program. Many self-insureds and pools recognize the importance of a RTW program but few do it.

Defining a RTW Program

A RTW program is a systematic management approach for returning injured employees back to meaningful work in a timely fashion.

The Middle Cities Workers' Compensation Fund (FUND) has contracted with Focus Management Group and Norman Peterson & Associates to develop a model RTW for each of our small, medium and large size members. The model is based on the highly successful copyrighted program called the OUR® System. The OUR® System stands for Optimal Utilization of Rehabilitation System.

The OUR® System creates a series of temporary "bridge jobs" based on the number and types of injuries a member has historically experienced before an injury occurs. Typical programs usually wait to find an appropriate job for an injured employee after the injury occurs. The jobs are sorted by degree of physical demand on certain body parts and displayed on a simple matrix. The matrix facilitates speedy placement and safe "on-the-job" work hardening as employees move from job to job during their recoveries.

Why A RTW Program?

RTW programs have been shown to reduce overall workers' compensation costs from as low as 10% to as high as 30%. In addition to the cost containment benefits, RTW programs have numerous other benefits. Some of these benefits include:

A. Benefits to the Employee

• averts psychological problems
• prevents loss of skills and maintains physical conditioning
• bolsters morale
• enhances willingness and ability to return to former job

B. Benefits to the District

• dramatically decreases old and new claims costs
• maintains or improves productivity
• builds trust and respect with employees
• reduces risk of regulatory penalties
• improves the school district's position in litigated cases
• lowers charged FUND premium over time

C. Benefits to the Injured Employee's Supervisor

• avoids the appearance and temptation of favoritism
• allows for productive work to be done
• avoids delays in getting someone to work
• avoids putting the supervisor in the role of doctor
• simplifies the administrative process

D. Benefits to Other Important Parties

1. The Physician

• clearly outlines medical management plan
• speeds employee's recovery time
• explains the employee's job and working environment

2. The FUND

• lower medical only claim payments
• lower indemnity or loss time payments
• reduce the frequency and severity of employee injury
• reduce the pool's overall loss history thus reducing operational costs to members
• enhances member's surplus which can translate into rate stabilization and future dividends.
  

What New Members Could Expect

The Middle Cities Workers' Compensation FUND provides the RTW program as part of it's member services package. Members already having a RTW program will have a choice of continuing with their program or utilizing the FUND's program. New members will be scheduled for an orientation soon after joining the FUND if implementing the program. A new member will receive a program manual and training for using the manual. The manual will include a job analysis matrix for each employee group involved in the program.