Return-to-Work Procedure Development

Return-to-work procedures set your workplace up for effective return-to-work planning.

Good procedures ensures return to work goes smoothly on a day-to-day basis. They spell out who does what, when, and how—from injury reporting to planning, implementation, evaluation, and confidentiality.

Injury reporting and communication

Your procedures should answer these questions clearly:

• Who the worker reports an injury to
• Who completes and submits the injury report in WCB MyAccount with the worker
• How and when the worker updates the you —plus how and when you update the worker
• If the worker can’t return right away, who maintains contact and how often

Return-to-work planning

Outline the people, timing, and documentation you will use.

• Who is responsible for return-to-work conversations and/or meetings, and when
• Who should be involved
• How to identify suitable, safe work options
• Who records the return-to-work plan

Implementing and monitoring the plan

Describe how you’ll put the plan in place and keep it on track.

• Who coordinates any needed equipment or tool modifications
• Who communicates the plan to affected co-workers
• Who monitors progress, and how often
• What happens if anyone has concerns with the plan

Program and procedure evaluation

Review your procedures regularly and make improvements to your return-to-work program. Your procedures should outline:

• Who completes each return-to-work plan evaluation
• When to share evaluation results, and with whom
• Who reviews the overall program, and how often
• How you will measure results (for example, usage, outcomes, feedback)
• Who communicates any changes, and who they should communicate them to

Confidentiality

Make privacy part of the process. Decide how to store confidential material, who can access it, and how to grant access.

Resources and related pages

• Employer return-to-work overview – Starting point for employers, with roles, responsibilities, and key resources
• Find a WCB-approved health care service provider – Connect with providers who can support safe recovery
• Return-to-Work Policy (PDF) – Downloadable template to guide your workplace return-to-work policy

Building an Effective Return-to-Work Program 

Summary:

• Introduces the concept of return to work (RTW) programs and their importance for both workers and employers.
• Highlights the impact of workplace injuries on employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being, as well as on company productivity and costs.
• Explains the role of leadership in RTW programs, emphasizing timely communication, staying connected with injured workers, and creating transitional or modified duties.
• Provides practical steps to build an effective RTW program, including creating policies, assigning responsibilities, developing relationships with WCB-approved healthcare providers, and educating staff.
• Presents key resources such as My Account, WCB online, and the Working to Well program to support employers and injured workers in the RTW process.

Intended Audience:

• Employers, HR professionals, workplace leaders, and safety committee members seeking to implement or improve return to work programs and support injured employees effectively.