Workers' Compensation: Returning to Work
Step Increases and Leave Restoration
When you return to work from a disabling illness or injury, you may be eligible for a pay increase and/or restoration of your leave balances. Vacation leave, however, is not restored. Refer to your bargaining unit contract for more information, or ask your personnel officer.
Transitional Work
If you have been off work due to a workers’ compensation claim and still have temporary work restrictions, the state may provide you with a program to help you transition back to work. Transitional work provides injured employees with the opportunity to resume employment as soon as possible following a job-related injury or illness.
In many cases, the resumption of work will require some form of job modification. The modifications are based on medical restrictions provided by the employee’s medical provider which are directly attributable to the injury or illness. Most job modifications will be temporary in nature and will be handled on its own merits. Any accommodation made will be temporary and will be monitored periodically with the goal of assisting the employee to resume his or her regular assignment as soon as medically possible.
- Pay
While participating in a transitional work program, you will receive your normal pay for the hours you work. You may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits for the time you are not working.
- Duration
Most state agencies have developed their own transitional work program, which is typically approved for 30 days, but may be extended based on your attending physician’s recommendation. Most programs do not exceed 90 days. Your agency personnel officer will assist you with specific requirements.
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