Return to Work - Overview

June 30, 2008 - December 31, 2009

RE-01

General Information

Return to work is a proactive approach to helping injured workers return to safe and productive work activities as soon as it is physically possible. It is a partnership involving employers, workers, health care providers, unions, and the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB). The YWCHSB provides return to work services and programs to injured workers; the primary goal of which is to safely return each worker to employment or employability that is comparable to the pre-injury level as soon as possible. With effective return to work planning, the human 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 disability type.

As of its effective date, this policy applies to all workers and employers covered by the Workers' Compensation Act S.Y. 2008 (the "Act"), regardless of the date of injury.

Purpose

This policy gives an overview of the return to work process and related provisions of the Act and outlines the roles of workers, employers and the YWCHSB in supporting the early and safe return to work of injured workers.