Returning to Work After an Injury
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After a person experiences an injury and has taken time
off work to recover, he or she will need to go through a
transition period when first returning to work.
Transitional work is a step in the recovery process when a
person is able to complete some job tasks but is not yet at
full capacity.
A transitional work program includes job
coaching, instruction, and education in safe work practices
to prevent further injury. The program usually includes a
combination of job tasks that a worker is able to perform
safely.
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An occupational therapist trained in return-to-work
services can evaluate a person's ability to complete
his or her job tasks and oversee a company's
return-to-work program.
The goal of occupational therapy is to provide the returning worker
with tasks that are
meaningful and to facilitate the worker's complete and
total independence and function at work. A transitional
work program also allows for the use of environmentally
focused interventions that incorporate good, healthy
ergonomic practices.
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What can an occupational therapist
do?
- Evaluate a person while on the job
to determine his or her ability to complete job
tasks.
- Recommend modifications to job tasks
that the worker can complete safely.
- Identify a worker's meaningful
job tasks.
- Implement and supervise a
company's return-to-work program to ensure a safe,
productive, and functional work environment.
- Monitor a worker's progress
regularly and reassess to determine when work tasks can
be upgraded to full duty.
What can a person returning to work
do?
- Do not overestimate
his or her ability and capacity to complete job
tasks.
- Complete tasks gradually on the
advice of an occupational therapist, health care
professionals, and the employer.
- Implement the use of assistive
devices that may help a person complete a task
safely.
- Develop strength and endurance in
performing job tasks.
Need more information?
A return-to-work program that includes transitional work
for employees is an important component of a company's
healthy work environment. If you would like to consult an
occupational therapist about transitional work,
practitioners are available through most hospitals,
community clinics, and medical centers.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy
assistants are trained in helping both adults and children
with a broad range of physical, developmental, and
psychological conditions. Practitioners also help clients
and their caregivers with strategies that can prevent
injury and secondary complications, and support health and
well-being. Contact your local health organization for more
information.
Copyright 2004 by the American Occupational
Therapy Association, Inc. All rights reserved. This page
may be reproduced and distributed without prior written
consent. For more information, visit www.aota.org. For more
information on promoting occupational therapy, visit
www.promoteot.org.
Revised 1/5/04
Last Update: 2/20/04