Employee Returning to Work after Injury

[DariusCool]

After some advice.

I have an employee who injured himself (not work related / not indication that it was) who is retunign to work after a 3 month absence.

Is there anything I should be doing to facilitate a positive return and also protect the business if there are any issues?

 

[IanSuth]

talk to an Occupational Health specialist, they are not that expensive and can with you and the employee come up with a return to work plan that works for all.

Sure there is one on here [ edit ] of course there is @SmartClinic

 

[Newchodge]

I would second the Occ Health report. ALso, meet with them to have an open discussion about how they are and what support they feel may help them. Offer a phased return to work - After a 3 month absence a straight return to full time work can be difficult. Again, find out what they need or would like.

On their first day back have a colleague meet them at the entrance and go into the workplace with them so they don't feel overwhelmed.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

From an Insurance point of view, you need to look at whether they have fully recovered and are able to carry on with the same role/duties as previously - You have a duty of care and therefore should not put them in a position of harm (ie. if they are not yet capable of carrying out their previous duties).

 

[DariusCool]

From an Insurance point of view, you need to look at whether they have fully recovered and are able to carry on with the same role/duties as previously - You have a duty of care and therefore should not put them in a position of harm (ie. if they are not yet capable of carrying out their previous duties).

How would I do this? Am assuming its by going through Occupational Health Specialist?

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

How would I do this? Am assuming its by going through Occupational Health Specialist?

An occupational Health Specialist will provide some guidance.

From a duty of care perspective you need to carry out a formal Risk Assesment based on the tasked he/she will be doing and addressing any hazards etc that need to be overcome (or avoided).

If you have a business insurance policy - check if it includes free legal and employment advice, as they will help you with your situtation.

 

[DanteMosley]

Talk to your employee to see how they're doing and if they're worried about anything. Also, you might need to change their tasks or hours a bit to help them out, depending on their injury.

 

[WaveJumper]

And this:

Return to work meetings - Returning to work after absence - Acas

Returning to work after time off, including return to work meetings and phased returns.

www.acas.org.uk

 

[DanteMosley]

And this:

Still, sometimes, you have to talk face-to-face to a returning employee and understand their situation.
For a long time, I was on sick leave for more than one month. It was challenging for me to return to work and work full-time. I still needed to recover, but my boss wanted me to come back. I explained the whole situation to him, and I worked fewer hours than I was supposed to. It's not a typical procedure, but it's humanity. Besides, being sick is a nonprovisional circumstance, and it doesn't make me a bad worker. I just needed some time to recover.

 

[SmartClinic]

talk to an Occupational Health specialist, they are not that expensive and can with you and the employee come up with a return to work plan that works for all.

Sure there is one on here [ edit ] of course there is @SmartClinic

Bit late to respond, but if I can help with anything just let me know.