Addressing Work Related Injuries
RTW Program Purpose
The primary goal of Comal ISD’s Return to Work (RTW) program is to return injured on the job employees to work at the earliest medically allowable date, and in accordance with the prescribed medical treatment plan. Our RTW program promotes rehabilitation and enhances the recovery process while our employees remain on the job.
How does it work?
Most employees that are injured on the job are allowed to go back to work but may have work restrictions from their treating doctor. Whenever possible, supervisors will work to modify duties. For example, the doctor allows the employee to return to work but states they cannot lift more than 50lbs. The supervisor of that department will temporary modify that employees job duties so that they do not lift more than 50 lbs., allowing them to perform some work while they recover.
Why Stay at Work?
You are a valued member of our organization and we rely on each other to get the job done. Our experience shows the advantages of coming back to work include:
· quicker recovery times
· a smoother transition back to work
· maintaining self-esteem in spite of the medical condition
· receiving a regular paycheck with regular benefits (Workers’ comp only pays 70%)
· maintaining relationships at work
Employee Benefits
· Earn regular, hourly wages and accrue all benefits as applicable in the regular “time of injury” job.
· Speed recovery while minimizing disruption to normal routine.
· Preserve leave time and benefit balances.
· Work in a controlled environment to minimize risk of re-injury.
· Have productive use of abilities to maintain and promote self-esteem.
Department Benefits
· Maintaining productivity in the workplace
· Supporting the culture of caring for our employees
· Providing a safe and timely transition back to work
· Keeping trained and experienced workers on the job
· Minimizing workers’ compensation costs
· Saving money spent on hiring temporary workers.
· Maximizing communication with injured employees
· Reducing likelihood of adversarial relationships
RTW Program Goals
· Fulfill our moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities to you.
· Provide transitional assignments for temporarily modified work to get you back to your job.
· Create positive workplace morale through collaborative communication and support.
How Do I Get Back To Work?
· Let your doctor know that your department has a Return to Work (RTW) Program.
· A transitional duty team consisting of you, your supervisor, Human Resources, Risk Management and/or a team coordinator will routinely meet to review the medical status form and identify temporary transitional duties available.
· You will work in the temporary transitional duty position as needs dictate or until released back to work by your physician.
Important Facts
· The RTW program is available to all employees with work-related injuries and illnesses.
· Participation in the RTW program is mandatory. Failure to participate may jeopardize workers’ compensation benefits.
· Employees must provide their department’s human resources or RTW coordinator the medical status form releasing them to return to work and noting the restrictions, if any.
· The RTW team, treating physician, employee, and the department partner together to create an effective RTW program.
Department Contacts:
Work Related injuries:
Belinda Raindl, CSRM, CTSBO (Business Office)
Return to Work Coordinator
Risk Management & Records Dept.
830-221-2062
Belinda.Raindl@comalisd.org
Questions about FMLA or Temporary Disability Leave:
Glenna Miranda (HR Department)
Employee Benefits Coordinator
830-221-2040
Glenna.Miranda@comalisd.org
