Light Duty - Help!

LFernandes

How does everyone handle light duty? Do you have a written policy or is it handled on a case by case basis? What about light duty if the injury isn't job related?

Carol CA

We provide light duty where we can. It is on a case by case basis as every injury is different and the restrictions/modifications are different. Sometimes you are able to accommodate, and sometimes you can't.

As to injuries that are not work related, you are under no obligations to provide limited duty. If the company chooses to provide light duty, that's up to you.

Theresa Gegen TX

Many companies have written policies that provide that "light duty" can only be had in certain circumstances and for a limited time. This stops any argument from the employee that they should be given a permanent light duty position (because these positions don't exist).

One company I know has the following qualifications:
1. Work place injury only
2. Person must be recovering (getting better during light duty)
3. Thirty days - which can be extended for two additional 30 day periods (up to 90 max)
4. Employee must sign agreement to the light duty.

This has worked well so far.

Good Luck!