The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is set to expand their program that incentivizes employers to implement a modified duty return-to-work program for their injured workers. The program rewards employers who allow injured workers to work modified jobs or alternative duties while they are recovering.

Previously employers who had at least one lost-time claim were eligible for this transitional-work program, and now any employer who is in good standing with the bureau is eligible. Employers, with the help of an outside company that the bureau has approved, develop a plan for their workers that is up to the standards set by the bureau. That way they already have a plan in place if a worker is hurt on the job.

When employers are approved by the bureau they can expect the bureau to pay for up to 75 percent of the costs of the program. Employers can also receive bonuses for properly implementing the plan if a worker is hurt. A more thorough explanation of the Transitional Work Grants program can be found here.

One Ohio employer who has this program in place received a $29,000 bonus in 2014 and a $26,000 bonus from the bureau in 2014. They also saw lower claims costs and reduced premiums.

Not only does the employer save on their workers’ compensation costs, but studies have shown that injured workers who participate in modified duty programs have better claims outcomes. Workers return to work sooner than those who do not participate in a program and may have fewer absences later on, or productivity losses that are related to their injury. They can get back to work in some capacity while they are recovering in a way that will not hinder their recovery.