March 3, 2017

Return to work, return to life

When an injury occurs, our primary focus is not just getting that worker back to work, but getting them back to a fully functioning life. That goal is shared by the entire workers' compensation industry, including the members of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). The 103 year-old not-for-profit association represents most of the government agencies charged with the administration of workers' compensation systems throughout the United States, Canada, and beyond.

We are members of the IAIABC and an enthusiastic supporter of its mission to advance the efficiency and effectiveness of workers' compensation systems throughout the world.

Recently, the IAIABC Disability Management and Return to Work Committee issued a report entitled, Return to Work: A Foundational Approach to Return to Function. While BWC did not help write the report, we've since joined the committee and fully endorse its conclusions. What differentiates this report is that it takes a comprehensive look at all of the players involved in returning an injured worker to full function. While many focus on the worker and the doctor, this report also considers the insurer, the regulator, the employer, and even the attorneys and labor unions.

You can find the report on the IAIABC website.