It’s crucial for injured employees to return-to-work as quickly as possible. This may mean a light-duty position that is within the medical provider’s restrictions — usually temporarily, sometimes permanently. Either way, Approach is here to help with our easy, three-step program!
The basics of light-duty
Contact Us
Let us know as soon as an accident occurs or a claim is filed. Your Approach Workers’ Comp Analyst will guide you through the process and help you create a light-duty job description.
Ask The Provider
The light-duty work must fit within any medical restrictions outlined by the provider. We’ll submit the job description to the provider for approval.
Get Paid
Our specialist will help your company file for thousands in wage and equipment refunds. We’ve delivered millions to our clients.
Two Types of Light-Duty
Temporary Light-Duty
Many injured employees need to return to a light-duty position for a short time before returning to their usual job. Create a temporary light-duty position for your employee and your company can utilize the Stay-at-Work program.
Our Stay-at-Work Specialist will help you submit for reimbursement. Our clients have earned more than $16 million in Stay-at-Work refunds, in addition to their retro refunds!
View our Stay-at-Work infographic
Permanent Light-Duty
With this program, known as the Preferred Worker Program, your company can earn up to $31,000 in wage and equipment reimbursements when you bring an employee back to an ongoing light-duty position, PLUS $25,000 special incentive!
Approach was the first administrator to successfully claim reimbursements under this program and remains the most experienced. Let us show you how it works!
View our Preferred Worker Program infographic
Stay-at-Work Program
Use the Stay-At-Work program for temporary light-duty.
Stay-at-Work is a financial incentive program sponsored by L&I to pay employers to help injured employees stay on the job. L&I will reimburse employers for some of their costs when they provide temporary, light-duty jobs for injured employees while they heal.
Eligible employers can be reimbursed for:
- 50% wage reimbursements, up to $25,000 or 120 days
- Up to $8,000 for equipment, tools, and clothing
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Forms
Find light-duty forms under Return-to-Work in the Client Portal
Preferred Worker Program
Use the Preferred Worker program for permanent light-duty.
The Preferred Worker Program is another return-to-work incentive program sponsored by L&I.
When a medical provider determines an injured employee has permanent medical restrictions, L&I may certify the employee as a “preferred worker.” This certification enables an employer to receive financial incentives when they hire the employee for a medically-approved, long-term job.
You may receive:
- 3 years protection from subsequent claims
- Reduced workers’ comp premium rate
- 50% wage reimbursements, up to $25,000 or 120 days
- Up to $6,000 for equipment, tools, and clothing
- And an additional $25,000 incentive payment after 12 months of continuous employment!
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Forms
Find preferred worker forms under Return-to-Work in the Client Portal