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WorkSafeBC

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Occupational Rehabilitation 1 (OR 1)

Occupational Rehabilitation 1 (OR1) is a structured, active rehabilitation program focused on return to work through physical and functional conditioning, education, and supported return-to-the workplace. The program is offered by physiotherapists, and treatment services may be provided at a rehabilitation clinic and/or at the work site.

Description of services
Admission criteria
Length of service
Service locations
Referral process
Bulletins
Inquiries

Description of services

All workers undergo a full evaluation before a customized program is developed. Treatment may include:

  • Individualized treatment to address the specific needs of the worker
  • Activities to promote flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning
  • Real or simulated work activities
  • Education focussed on soft tissue healing, the value of exercise and proper posture and body mechanics
  • Return to work planning and support, which may include one or more job site visits

As of June 1, 2013, there is a new treatment phase available in the OR1 Program, if required or appropriate, called the Acute Physiotherapy Treatment Phase. This phase is designed for workers who may need more focused physiotherapy to be better prepared to participate fully in the OR1 Program. If appropriate and required, the provider may accept the worker into the program and provide treatment in this Phase, rather than not admitting the worker as "too acute".

This phase would begin following the Intake Assessment and is limited to a maximum of three (3) weeks. Workers may not be attending daily and may receive some 1:1 treatment by the physiotherapist and/or participate in portions of the OR1 program, as deemed appropriate by the OR1 treatment team. It is expected that participation in this Phase will lead to full participation in the OR1 Program.

Admission criteria

The program is designed for workers who meet the following criteria:

  • Are at least three weeks post-injury
  • Have a soft-tissue injury, resolved surgery or a healed fracture
  • Have no medical contraindications to an activity-based program, and
  • Are expected to benefit from exercises to improve strength, endurance and mobility.

The program is not appropriate for the worker who:

  • Meets or exceeds the physical requirements of their job and is considered fit to return to work
  • Requires only return to work support services
  • Presents with a medical condition that would put the worker at undue risk of harm
  • Is unlikely to benefit due to barriers beyond the scope of the program to resolve
  • Is currently engaged in another treatment intervention for the same injury
  • Has been diagnosed with an Activity-related Soft Tissue Disorder (ASTD) or
  • Has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

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Length of service

Workers typically attend the program four hours per day, five days per week for a maximum of 30 consecutive business days. This may include any combination of treatment at a rehabilitation clinic and the work site. There maybe exceptions to attendance requirements based on the individual's needs, with WorkSafeBC Officer approval.

Service locations

OR 1 is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C.

Referral process

Workers are referred to the program by a WorkSafeBC officer. Attending physicians can refer to the program by communicating this to the WorkSafeBC officer verbally or through a Form 11.

Bulletins

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Inquiries

Please call health care services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404. Or visit the OR 1 contact details page for further information.