Light Duty Work

kstaffing · May 2004

We have an employee who is on light duty b/c of carpal tunnel/tendonitis. We are a staffing office, however, we have been running out of things for this person to do on a daily basis, that involves not using her wrist. Does anyone have any creative light duty job ideas that we can impose on this person? Thanks

POPEYE · May 2004

During my years with a staffing co. we routinely used "light duty" employees to help applicants complete applications, put together packets for clients, write our thank-you notes to clients or employees, answer phones, call and do check-ins or other follow-up calls, help alphabetize client or employee informational files (just be cautious of personal information contained therein). If all else fails, let them keep the coffee made.

juju · May 2004

When I worked for a staffing company and all else failed, they had the emplyees sit in front of the window and count cars. Talk about a LONG day!

kstaffing · May 2004

Oh my word, that is awesome....and horrible at the same time. We were thinking of having the person do a Marketing Research and listen to commercials on the radio....but instead, maybe I have them count advertisements on the buses outside.

SMace · May 2004

You could ask the employee. She might come up with something that would benefit the business. You can always say no if you don't like it or it would aggravate her symptoms.

mcmel · May 2004

In my short history here, we've done the following:

Put the employee on a typewriter and have them fill in all of the company information on blank copies of I-9s. Keep making copies of the forms and let them keep typing the info in. Typing one handed or by using a pencil (hunt and peck) gets you past the "repetitive work" restriction.

Find all of the old keys in the building and make sure they are clearly labeled with exactly which locks they work for. (I think I heard this one from somebody on this forum).

Let them type up some of the safety manuals that you have lying around. Typing it from the book to the paper takes quite a bit of time AND it drills safety techniques into their head like you wouldn't believe.

juju · May 2004

What great suggestions! I will keep them in mind and use them when I can. However, I often run into the problem of having an employee who can't even use the copier correctly, let alone type or alphabetize. Also, it is sometimes hard to find a computer/typewriter for them to work on. We have them do shredding (not HR-related, of course) and stamping envelopes with our address, but those tasks only last so long. What other suggestions do you all have for someone with absolutely no office skills whatsoever?

mcmel · May 2004

I'm not claiming that the safety manuals are typed perfectly, but it gives them something to do. We also only pay minimum wage and let WC pick up the difference. It keeps our WC costs lower, and encourages the ee to get better faster, because they want a full paycheck again.

We won't terminate them because then the injury seems to lag on for a ridiculous amount of healing time. We'd rather get them working on something and keep them in a routine. Seems to motivate them a little.

Don D · May 2004

Or, you could realize that you have run out of 'restricted duty' possibilities and terminate her.

SDDCHR · May 2004

Don brings up a good point. How long is this person supposed to be on light duty? You have to be careful about assigning/accommodating tasks. You may buy yourself a long-term light duty professional. If you're showing that you can accommodate for a "long period" it's going to make it that much harder to term when the time comes. Make sure that you have an end in sight to this. The work should be meaningful.....
Is this a long term situation that you may have to look at ADA issues?

kstaffing · May 2004

No, this is not a long term ADA situation. We are having a second opinion doc appt. today. It is carpal tunnel - tendonitis issue. After she sees the other specialist today and we get that report, i will attempt to get this claim closed ASAP.

I agree, I do not want a long term light duty situation....

Thanks for your advice.

jnetperez · May 2004

I went to a seminar and one of the things they suggested is, if you don't have light duty, you can send them to do volunter work. Maybe go to the American Cancer Society to help them send letters.

kstaffing · May 2004

Now that is an interesting idea. Thank you for that, I am going to check into it

Light Duty Work

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