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A work injury can be life-changing. In some cases, the employee is never the same again or may require lengthy recovery times. When a doctor places limitations on what a worker can and cannot do, the term "modified job" will likely be used.
The reality is that although this might seem self-explanatory, few care to admit that this term is unfamiliar, unclear, and even concerning.
Before returning to work, it's crucial that injured employees know what to expect. This article was crafted to shed light on this topic and ensure that there are no grey areas with regard to modified work.
For tailored advice or case-specific insight, employees are encouraged to schedule a free consultation with Larrimer & Larrimer LLC. They can also provide insight to questions like What is an Independent medical evaluator (IME)?
What Is a Modified Job? | Understanding Light-duty Work
To put it simply, a modified job involves duties that have been altered to accommodate an injured employee. If a worker has a sprained ankle, for example, they may not be able to operate heavy machinery and will have to return to the office until their ankle has healed completely.
The changes to their duties might relate to the role they play, as seen in the example above, or in their hours, the equipment they use, or their working environment. Plus, the goal of such a position is to allow the injured person to come back to work while still allowing them to heal from their injury.
Before an individual who has been injured on the job can return to their role, they must see a doctor who will assess their condition and place certain restrictions on what they can and cannot do.
If the healthcare provider gives the go-ahead for the person to return to work but places certain limitations on what they are allowed to do, the employer is required to allow them to take on a modified job.
What Aspects of a Job Can Be Modified to Accommodate an Injured Worker?
The section above touched on this aspect briefly, but this next section will take a closer look at them. Here is an overview of what can be altered when an employee returns to work to accommodate their injuries:
Their Duties and Responsibilities
When working a modified job, the tasks assigned to the employee may change. If their regular job requires them to do a lot of heavy lifting, for example, their modified work may exclude any tasks that are considered physically demanding.
Specialized Equipment
In some cases, the worker may be required to make use of specialized equipment when they return to work. This might include ergonomic furniture to support a hurt back or voice-activated software to allow more accessibility.
Altered Work Hours
Modified work may also involve different working hours. If an injured person is still undergoing treatment, they may need the flexibility to do so. In these cases, a reduced work schedule may be implemented.
It's important to note that other aspects may be required, depending on the doctor's recommendations. Typically, the employer will work with the healthcare provider to ensure that the employee is able to return to work without negatively impacting their recovery.
Workers' Compensation Offers Financial Protection to the Injured Employee
The reality is that modified jobs often come with reduced salaries. This can place a considerable financial burden on the affected individual. The good news is that the workers' compensation program offers permanent and temporary disability benefits to affected persons.
Here is an overview of what workers can expect:
Partial Benefits
When an employee comes back to work but does not receive their full income, they can turn to workers' compensation to cover the rest. This typically applies to modified work schedules.
Vocational Rehabilitation
This is designed to help injured workers gain new skills so that they can function in a modified role. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all employees are eligible for these benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
In some cases, a worker may qualify for TPD benefits, which are designed to offer much-needed financial relief while an employee moves back into their original role.
Employers May Benefit from Modified-duty Employees
It's important to remember that workers' compensation is not designed purely for the benefit of employees. Modified jobs also offer a number of perks for the employer. This includes the following:
A Reduction of Workers’ Compensation Costs
One of the most noteworthy benefits of allowing injured workers to return on a modified-duty basis is that fewer benefits will be paid. If employees can return to their jobs, even with modified duties, it reduces the financial burden on the company and the workers’ compensation system.
It Can Help to Improve Employee Retention
When an injured worker is not discarded and is instead allowed to return to their regular job at a reduced capacity, it makes them feel valued. Moreover, the truth is that injuries can cause workers to feel empty, and allowing them to take on a modified job can help boost their morale and promote job satisfaction.
In turn, this will improve their chances of remaining with the same employer, which is especially great if the worker has a unique skill set that is valuable to the company. For more information, our workers comp law firm in Columbus may be able to help.
The Business Gets to Enjoy Greater Productivity
An injured worker's ability to function in a limited role can also contribute to the company's productivity. When an employee is away from work because of an injury, there may be delays. Having the worker conduct limited job duties ensures that there is a continuation of the business.
Larrimer & Larrimer LLC Is Here to Help Injured Workers Navigate the Workers' Comp. Process
Modified work restrictions can hinder an employee's ability to earn a good income. Fortunately, the workers' compensation program offers financial protection for those with a permanent or temporary disability.
Hiring an experienced workers' compensation attorney ensures that employees' rights are protected and that they are able to access the benefits that they are rightly due.
To learn more, injured workers are encouraged to contact us.
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