Are you familiar with Bill 99 policies and procedures? Does your company understand the importance of a successful return to work program as a primary mechanism in reducing both the life of a claim and associated WSIB claim costs?

The legislative authority governing Bill 99 places the onus on both worker and employer in developing a return to work strategy. Since its inception in January 1997 the new legislation empowers the employer to take control over the return to work process by allowing direct contact with the workers medical doctor. In hopes of obtaining up to date medical information which would support a return to some type of employment.

The use of diagnostic resources such as a Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) and a Functional Abilities Form (FAF) is used to facilitate a return to appropriate employment for the injured worker.

It is of utmost importance for you, the employer, to be able to accommodate the injured worker for the short term ( where modified employment is only required on a temporary basis ) and/or on a permanent basis where the workers medical restrictions are deemed permanent .

The importance of return to work programs is that they allow for a much shorter duration of Loss Of Earnings Benefits paid to the worker. In addition, it is less likely that a WSIB sponsored training program would be implemented which could last up to 3 years or more thus escalating the impact on your premiums.

Lastly, by facilitating an early return to work with the injured worker it is less likely your employee will begin to feel isolated, angry, depressed where decreased worker morale in this respect and a potential decline in productivity could affect your companies bottom line.