Return to Work - Overview

December 31, 2009 - June 30, 2012

RE-01

General Information

Return to work is a proactive approach to help injured workers return to safe and productive work activities as soon as it is functionally appropriate. It is a partnership involving employers, workers, health care providers, unions and the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board (Y\/VCHSB). The YWCHSB provides return to work services and programs to injured workers; the primary goals of which are to safely return each worker to employment or employability that is comparable to the pre-injury level as soon as functionally appropriate during recovery. The YWCHSB recognizes that early and safe return to work is an important part of the rehabilitation plan for most injured workers. If a worker is able to remain at work or return to the workplace during their recovery period, the social and financial costs associated with workplace injury are significantly reduced.

It is critical for employers to understand that, under the Human Rights Act, every employer has a duty - to the point of undue hardship - to accommodate injured workers, regardless of the type of injury.

Purpose

This policy gives an overview of the return to work process and related provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act, S.Y. 2008 (the "Act") and outlines the roles of workers, employers and the YWCHSB in supporting the early and safe return to work of injured workers.