Return to Work for Injured Federal Workers – Things You Must Know

Federal employees who have been injured on the job can return to work if their treating physician allows them to do so.

They need to be sure that they can be productive in a modified work environment. It is usually when the treatment is complete (or almost complete), and they have had a short period of convalescence.

High Risk and Compensation Offered

Federal workers, especially those in risky jobs like postal employees, often work in hazardous environments and situations. It makes them more vulnerable to injuries.

In California, The Division of Workers’ Compensation or the DWC manages the compensation offered to each such federal employee injured on the job. They just need to prove that the injury was work-related.

Steps to Take

If you have sustained an injury as a federal employee, you must report it to your supervisor within a few hours if you are conscious. If you are not conscious, you must report the injury within a few days.

You will also need to visit a doctor. Your employer or their insurer must confirm your injuries and treatment. You must do the relevant paperwork to get the workers’ compensation on time.

Your treating doctor must say there is a direct relationship between your injury and work-related duties. They should also highlight how long you need to stay away from work.

If you can conduct limited or modified work or light duty, your treating doctor will also need to outline your limitations and list the tasks you cannot perform.

If your employer is offering you light duty that is not suitable according to your injury limitations, you have the liberty to refuse the offer and ask for the continuation of your workers’ compensation benefits.

Talk to an Expert

If you have more questions regarding return to work for injured federal workers, then you can trust the Laura M. Wilson & Associates Inc team. We help you return to work more confidently and only after fully recovering from an accident, trauma, crisis, or injury.

We provide a broad array of services such as SJDB Service, RTWSP Service, Expert Witness, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Services, and Transferable Skills Analysis. All these services will help make the return-to-work process easy and uncomplicated for you.

Our vocational rehabilitation counselors will decide which services are right for you and offer a solution that helps you return to work and retain your job if you want to. To book a one-on-one session with one of our experts, book an appointment here or call us toll-free at (800) 531-5608.

Reference:

Important Information About Return to Work for Injured Federal Workers