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Rehabilitation and return to work FAQs

Rehab and return to work basics

What is a return-to-work program?

A return-to-work program is a proactive way for employers to help injured workers stay at work or return to productive and safe employment as soon as physically possible.


What kinds of work does the worker do in a return-to-work program?

Return to work options can involve transitional duties (temporary work tasks that are meaningful and productive) and or a gradual return to work.


How is the return-to- work process started?

The return to work process may be initiated at the request of the employer, the injured worker, WorkSafeBC staff, or the injured worker's attending physician, any of whom can identify an opportunity for work as a part of recovery.


Who develops the return-to-work plan?

Many individuals are available to assist the employer in developing an appropriate individual plan for their employee. The attending physician is available to consult with the employer regarding the restrictions and capabilities of the injured worker.

A safe and durable return-to-work plan is designed to accommodate the worker's capabilities. Staff at WorkSafeBC are available to work closely with the physician and the employer to assist in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of a return-to-work plan.


When should the worker start a return to work program?

A return-to-work program takes all injuries and illnesses into account; each case is considered independently and an appropriate return-to-work plan established. The initiation of the return-to-work process may be at the request of either the:

  • Employer
  • Injured worker
  • WorkSafeBC staff
  • Injured worker's attending physician

What is the Hire a Worker Program?

This is WorkSafeBC's free Hire a Worker service, designed to assist previously injured workers in securing employment while saving the employer money on advertising, recruitment, and training.


What is vocational rehabilitation?

If a worker is seriously injured they may be referred to WorkSafeBC's vocational rehabilitation services for counselling, vocational assessment, planning, and knowledge and skill development, to assist in their return to employment.


What do Nurse Advisors do?

WorkSafeBC nurse advisors are available to help with return to work programs. They promote a safe and timely return to work by:

  • Intervening early in the process
  • Collaborating with workers, employers, and health care providers
  • Communicating a documented plan with workers, employers, and health care providers

Rehab and return to work information for workers

Who do I contact if I want to join a return-to-work program?

If you have an accepted claim, talk to your employer and case manager about a return-to-work program in your workplace.


What happens once I’m in a return-to-work program?

WorkSafeBC rehabilitation staff are available to monitor your progress and make recommendations to your case manager regarding your transition to full time hours, ensuring an effective transition.


How will I benefit from a return-to-work program?

Workers benefit by a more rapid and complete recovery. They are also able to perform meaningful work while maintaining their income levels and job status within the company. For more information, see Return to Work is Good Therapy (PDF 266kb).

Injured workers can maintain employment security, seniority, and benefits while they recover.


If there’s no return-to-work opportunity at my old workplace, where can I find other return-to-work opportunities?

If you are an injured worker in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program you can use the Vocational Rehabilitation job finder to access information on available jobs.


How do I return to work if I have a back injury or back pain?

The longer you stay off work due to a back injury or back pain, the less likely you are to return, so it's important to get back as soon as possible. Talk to your employer about your situation and discuss how you can modify any work activities that stress your back.


How do I get referred to vocational rehabilitation?

In most circumstances, your case manager will determine whether referral to Vocational Rehabilitation Services is appropriate.


Return to work information for employers

How will I benefit from a return-to-work program?

Benefits include:

  • a reduction in the length of time the employee is away from the work site, therefore reducing the costs of training replacement workers.
  • better experience rating, which depend on the cost of your company's claims rather than the number of claims
  • retaining workers and reducing accident and workplace costs.

Return to Work is Good Business(PDF 267kb).


How can I hire an injured worker from another company?

Contact WorkSafeBC's free Hire a Worker service, designed to assist previously injured workers in securing employment while saving you money on advertising, recruitment, and training.


Rehab and return to work information for health care providers

How does the health care provider benefit from a return-to-work program?

Health care providers benefit by having an additional tool for helping injured workers recover from workplace injuries. Return to Work is Good Medicine (PDF 541kb)

Return to Work is Good for Recovery: The nurse advisor's role in return-to-work planning(PDF 738kb)


How do I plan a return to work program for my patient?
  1. Examine the worker
  2. Call the WorkSafeBC claim representative
  3. Call the employer
  4. Revisit with the injured worker

What is the Medical and Return to Work Planning (MARP) Assessment program?

The MARP Assessment program focuses on providing diagnostic clarification, establishing appropriate treatment options, and making return-to-work recommendations to injured workers. The service is offered by physicians who have a Diploma in Sports Medicine or a specialty in Occupational Medicine.

Workers are referred to the MARP program by a WorkSafeBC officer who has received a written medical referral for MARP Services.


Who should I contact for help with MARP?

Contact Return to Work Support Services for help.


What kind of vocational rehabilitation programs are available?

Vocational Rehabilitation Services offers several programs and services to assist injured workers in returning to work

  • Work assessments
  • Work site or job modification
  • Job search assistance
  • Employment development and placement (EDAP)
  • Training-on-the-job
  • Formal training

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