Workers who receive injuries while on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include medical care, job loss compensation and rehabilitation.
In regard to rehabilitation, this includes physical rehab as well as vocational rehab to help injured workers get back to their career. The Return to Work program provides a variety of services designed to help employees return to their previous job or find a new position.
Return to Work program details
According to the Missouri government Office of Administration General Services, the goal of the state’s rehabilitation services is to improve an injury to the point that the employee is able to return to the previous work position. If physical therapy is not adequate, the worker may qualify for the Return to Work program, which includes job retraining and vocational rehab.
Vocational rehab may include modifying the employee’s current job to accommodate injuries. It may also mean providing education or training to prepare the employee for a different job. The services also include job placement, which may only be temporary until the injury fully heals and the employee is able to return to full duty.
Benefits of the program
According to the Department of Labor, the Return to Work program is beneficial for both workers and employers. For employees, they are able to remain productive and earn money while building career skills and socializing.
For employers, benefits include improved productivity, higher staff morale, reduced staff turnover and reduced legal liability risk regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are also tax credits for accommodating for, and hiring, workers who have disabilities.