EMPCO Return-to-Work Programs 2

Question 1

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) primarily used for in a Return-to-Work program?

Accepted Answer

To objectively measure an employee's physical abilities and compare them to job demands

Answer

To determine an employee's eligibility for workers' compensation benefits

Answer

To assess an employee's psychological readiness to return to work

Answer

To document the employer's compliance with OSHA recordkeeping requirements

Question 2

An employee with a physician-imposed lifting restriction of 10 lbs returns to a position requiring lifting up to 50 lbs. What is the most appropriate initial action for the occupational health professional?

Accepted Answer

Coordinate with HR and the supervisor to identify a transitional duty assignment within the restriction

Answer

Clear the employee to return to full duty immediately to avoid disruption

Answer

Advise the employee to apply for disability benefits

Answer

Require the employee to remain on leave until restrictions are fully lifted

Question 3

Which metric is most commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of a Return-to-Work program?

Accepted Answer

Average lost-time days per workers' compensation claim

Answer

Number of OSHA recordable incidents per year

Answer

Percentage of employees who receive modified duty

Answer

Total number of physician visits per injured employee

Question 4

What is the role of a case manager in a Return-to-Work program?

Accepted Answer

To coordinate communication between the injured worker, medical providers, employer, and insurer

Answer

To adjudicate workers' compensation claims on behalf of the insurer

Answer

To perform physical therapy and rehabilitation for the injured employee

Answer

To determine whether the injury was work-related for legal purposes

Question 5

Under OSHA recordkeeping rules, how must an employer record a work-related injury that results in restricted duty (modified work)?

Accepted Answer

It must be recorded on the OSHA 300 log as a restricted work case

Answer

It is not recordable if the employee continues to work any modified duty

Answer

It must be recorded only if the restriction lasts more than 30 days

Answer

It must be recorded as a lost-time injury regardless of whether the employee works

Question 6

What is the significance of documenting 'job demands' in a Return-to-Work program?

Accepted Answer

It allows matching an employee's medical restrictions to work tasks that can safely be performed

Answer

It satisfies OSHA's written program requirement for all employers

Answer

It establishes the legal basis for terminating an employee who cannot perform all duties

Answer

It replaces the need for a physician's fitness-for-duty evaluation

Question 7

Which of the following is a key communication best practice when an employee is first injured and an RTW program is initiated?

Accepted Answer

Contact the injured employee promptly to express support and explain RTW program resources

Answer

Wait until the employee contacts the employer before reaching out to avoid legal liability

Answer

Direct all communication through the workers' compensation insurer exclusively

Answer

Avoid communication until a fitness-for-duty note is received from the physician