Return to Work Program

Introduction:

The Pembina Trails School Division is committed to developing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. In keeping with this goal, the division will make every reasonable effort to provide suitable modified or alternate work to employees who are temporarily or permanently unable to return to or continue to perform their regular duties as a result of injury or illness.

This program applies to all employees of Pembina Trails School Division who are unable to perform their regular work as outlined in their job description as a result of:

• An occupational injury or illness and/or
• Injury or illness unrelated to occupational activity, and/or
• An active claim with WCB or Blue Cross, etc.
• Persons with disabilities, regardless of the cause or nature of the disability.

Purpose:

The goal of the return to work program is to:

• Support employees who experience health-related concerns, regardless of origin, thus minimizing the impacts of injuries or illness on employees and the workplace.
• Provide suitable accommodations for employees who have sustained an injury or who are experiencing an illness that impacts their ability to perform all aspects of their pre-injury or pre-illness jobs.
• Design safe, appropriate, timely, meaningful, productive and individualized accommodation and return to work plans based on functional capabilities/occupational health assessment.
• Ensure employees are empowered and supported to participate in coordinating a safe, timely and suitable return to work.
• Ensure work assigned and performed brings value to the organization and employee.
• Minimize both the human and financial impacts of an injury or illness.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of employees with consideration to relevant provisions in The Workplace Safety and Health Act, The Workers Compensation Act, The Human Rights Code, the Collective Agreement and any other applicable legislation.

BENEFITS OF THE RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM

There are many benefits of an early and safe return to work for both employers and workers:

Employer Benefits:

• Fulfills legislative requirements including the duty to accommodate under the Human Rights Act;
• Retains experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable workers;
• Improves worker morale and relations;
• Demonstrates the value the organization places on their workers;
• Provides consistency in the treatment of injured workers;
• Decreases worker’s time away from work, which reduces time loss claims;
• Reduces hiring and training costs;
• Improves the health and safety culture;
• Reduces risk of similar injuries occurring by identifying and controlling hazards; and
• Enhances company image.

Worker Benefits:

• Improves recovery and rehabilitation, and prevents disability;
• Maintains physical fitness and cardiovascular health;
• Maintains financial benefits (pension, Employment Insurance, medical and dental plans, vacation leave benefits);
• Increases worker morale; and
• Protects worker employability.