You’ve been injured on the job, you’re out of work, and now you’re beginning to worry about your next paycheck. Did you know that when an employee becomes injured on the job, the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) encourages employers to offer a light work duty?
In this article, we’ll discuss what light work duty is and what you should do if you’re placed on light work duty after an injury at work.
What is Light Work Duty?
If you’ve been injured at work, your employer may place you on light work duty as part of your workers’ compensation benefits. But what exactly does light work duty mean?
Light work duty is a temporary work assignment that is designed to help you recover from your injury while still allowing you to perform some work-related tasks. It may involve modified job duties, reduced hours, or restrictions on physical activities.
The purpose of light work duty is to help you stay active and engaged in the workplace while you recover from your injury. It can also help prevent your injury from getting worse by reducing the strain on your body.
What Are the Benefits of Being Placed on Light Work Duty?
Being placed on light work duty after an injury at work can have many benefits for both the employee and the employer. Light work duty refers to tasks that are less physically demanding and are designed to accommodate the injured employee’s limitations while they recover from their injury. Here are some benefits of being placed on light work duty:
1. Faster Recovery
By performing light work duties, the injured employee can continue to work and stay active, which can speed up their recovery process.
2. Reduced Stress
Being on light work duty can reduce the stress and anxiety that an injured employee may feel about not being able to work. It can also help them maintain their sense of purpose and routine.
3. Retention of Skills
Continuing to work, even in a limited capacity, can help the injured employee retain their skills and knowledge, which can make it easier for them to return to their regular duties once they are fully recovered.
4. Cost Savings
Light work duty can also be beneficial for employers as it can help reduce workers’ compensation costs by keeping the injured employee on the job and avoiding lost productivity.
5. Improved Morale
By accommodating the injured employee’s limitations and providing light work duties, employers can demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their staff, which can boost employee morale and loyalty.
Overall, being placed on light work duty can be a win-win situation for both the injured employee and the employer. It can help the employee recover faster, retain their skills, reduce stress, and maintain their sense of purpose, while also helping the employer save costs and improve morale.
What If Your Employer Is Unable to Accommodate the Restrictions Placed on You Because Of Your Injury?
If you find yourself out of work—without the option of light duty employment—here is what you need to know:
- If your workers’ comp claim is accepted and benefits are being paid, chances are strong that you will continue to receive your benefits with light-duty employment.
- If you claim is denied or benefits are not being paid, you may be faced with finding other employment—even though you are still technically employed by your current employer.
- To help bolster your disability claim, conduct a reasonable job search for positions that fall within your restrictions.
- Contact a workers’ comp attorney to help navigate you through this process and to ensure your future right to compensation is not hindered.
