What should a return to work program include?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Apr 18, 2026
A return to work (RTW) program is the formal policy that outlines general procedures for handling work related injury or illness. It represents an employer’s commitment to the health, safety and recovery of workers following an incident.
What is a return to work policy statement?
Location: Return to Work Policy Statement. (Company Name) is committed to providing a safe workplace for all workers. In the event of an injury or illness, every possible effort will be made to provide suitable return to work (RTW) options for workers who are unable to perform their regular duties.
What does a WSIB return to work specialist do?
Our Return-to-Work Specialist will: Provide information to you and your employer on the return-to-work process as well as educate both of you on your rights and obligations. Help you and your employer develop a plan for your return to your pre-injury job – with or without accommodations.
What is the purpose of a graduated return to work plan?
A graduated return to work plan (GRTWP) is a step by step plan for returning an injured worker back to their pre-injury duties. It is personalised to the injured worker, containing functional goals, suitable duties, and work restrictions.
What does a return to work plan look like?
A return to work plan should be: Personalised and outline the steps to successfully get the worker back to work. Recognise existing skills and capabilities of the injured worker. When it’s not possible for the worker to return to the same pre-injury duties, utilise retraining to find suitable employment.
How do I create a return to work plan?
Key elements to include in a formal return to work plan
- Anticipated start and end date.
- Number of days per week and hours per day that the employee will be expected to work.
- Essential tasks and duties that an employee will be expected to complete.
- Anticipated schedule for increasing work hours and resuming work tasks.
Can I be laid off while on WSIB?
The difficulty in disciplining or even terminating an injured worker while on WSIB is to clearly segregate the non-compensable actions as not being related to the injury. There is strong case law to support that termination must be just and entitlement to WSIB benefits denied.
How often should a return to work plan be reviewed?
every two years
Employers should continually review the RTW program, in consultation with the relevant parties, to ensure it is effective. The RTW program should specify review dates that suit workplace circumstances. Employers must review their RTW programs at least every two years.
What factors should be considered when establishing a Return to Work program or plan?
Guidelines for workplace return to work programs
- Appoint a return to work coordinator. Training, skills and experience. Role and functions. Employment arrangements.
- Develop a return to work program. Leadership and commitment. Workplace arrangements.
- Consult workers and unions.
- Implement the return to work program.
What to consider when returning to work after Covid?
Actions to consider include: ☐ Continuing to allow remote work where possible to keep employees safe….☐ Developing an exposure-response plan that addresses:
- Isolation, containment and contact tracking procedures.
- Stay-at-home requirements.
- Exposure communications to affected staff.
Can you work a second job while on WSIB?
Yes. You must cooperate with your employer and the WSIB at all times. Both you and your employer have a duty to communicate with each other throughout the period of your recovery. Even if your employer has an obligation to re-employ you, you must still co-operate in early and safe return to work activities.
What is the WSIB doing to support workers returning to work?
At the WSIB, we are committed to assisting the workplace parties, workers and employers as well as unions, where applicable in achieving the best possible return to work (RTW) and recovery outcomes following an injury or illness at the workplace. Supporting workers in their returning to work can be challenging when job accommodations are required.
What is the WSIB disability management program?
At the WSIB, our focus is to assist workers and employers achieve the best return to work (RTW) and recovery outcomes possible following a work-related injury or illness. An employer’s disability management program is an important factor in the recovery of their workers.
What are the responsibilities of the return-to-work program?
Responsibilities for workers Getting help with work reintegration for workers Co-operating in the return-to-work process Return to work and disability resources Service providers Appeals
How do I object to a WSIB decision?
Objecting to a WSIB decision Employer account operations decision Review of claim file Formal appeal Representation Appeal is registered The oral hearing Withdrawals Appeals decision Disagreeing with a decision of the ARO Health and safety Overview Health and safety community Your health and safety rights and responsibilities
