As a federal law, the ADA supersedes state workers' compensation laws, and therefore its directives provide the floor-level protection for disabled individuals. State workers' compensation laws can provide more protection, but not less. Properly structured, RTW programs can decrease the ADA exposure.

Mistake #2. Insisting that employees be released to full duty before returning to work.

Considerable evidence exists about the value of RTW programs that provide a means for employees to transition back into their full-duty jobs by modifying responsibilities and tasks for short periods of time. Insisting on a return to full duty without other options increases workers' compensation costs and heightens the possibility that the injured employee will fall prey to a "disability syndrome" -- the failure to return to work when it is medically possible.

For employers covered by the ADAAA, the criterion for developing these transitional duties is the "essential functions of the job." Not all job functions are essential. Courts consider job descriptions and performance evaluations in determining what functions are essential to a job. Employers should review and update these documents to ensure that the essential functions for each position are accurately described.

Mistake #3. Cutting the budget for RTW.

Employers seeking to cut expenses may target RTW programs. However, cutting or delaying such programs can result in higher costs both now and in the future. The longer an employee is out on injury leave, the higher the cost. This adversely affects claim reserves and ultimately the experience modification factor. The likelihood of litigation increases as well. Furthermore, with today's sharply reduced workforces, employees are often working beyond full capacity and cannot absorb the excess work of an absent co-worker. Even more importantly, a troubling message is sent to valued employees, both injured and healthy, damaging an already vulnerable morale.

Mistake #4. Believing that RTW cannot address musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain.

Low back pain is the most prevalent and costly work-related condition, yet only a small fraction of workers with acute back pain progress to chronic disability. A recent study concluded that workers who were not offered an accommodation such as light duty or reduced hours to facilitate the return to work in the first three weeks were almost twice as likely to develop a chronic disability. The study's findings suggested that an employer's offer of accommodation to facilitate working in the first few weeks after an injury may play an important role in chronic disability prevention.

Mistake #5. Being deterred from setting up transitional assignments because the employee may get hurt again.

Employer and employee fear of re-injury often hampers RTW efforts. However, an even greater risk is having the employee stay at home and develop a "disability attitude" that extends the absence and drives up costs. Employers should explain why it is important for the employee to return to work and outline the steps that are being taken to ensure the employee's safety. Job assignments should be reviewed or adjusted to ensure that they meet the medical restrictions set by the treating physician. Employers should stay in touch with the employees as to their comfort level with the assignment.

Mistake #6. Not distinguishing "light duty" from "transitional work" from "reasonable accommodation."

RTW assignments are best described as transitional tasks. Limited in duration, such tasks help the injured worker return to full productivity by being progressively adjusted in line with medically documented changes in the employee's ability.

Under the ADAAA, it is permissible for an employer to reserve light-duty jobs for those with work-related disabilities. These jobs should be distinct from transitional tasks. The ADAAA also stipulates that reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to: making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible; job restructuring; part-time or modified work schedules; reassignment to a vacant position; acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; appropriate adjustment or modifications of examinations, training materials or policies; providing qualified readers or interpreters; and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Mistake #7. Relying on the physician to guide the RTW process.

While physicians are medical experts, they do not have essential information about workplace policies, job demands and the availability of transitional work. Moreover, if a physician's training is not specifically in the treatment of occupational injuries he may not adhere to evidence-based guidelines. The employer must be proactive and take the lead role with both the physician and the injured worker.

Mistake #8. Not taking the take time to understand the laws governing mandatory comprehensive medical exams before a return to work.

The ADAAA, the FMLA, and state workers' compensation laws have different and sometimes conflicting requirements. Understanding the laws and how they apply to your specific circumstance is critical.

Mistake #9. Not establishing consequences for failure to comply with RTW requirements.

What is important here is to understand the difference between disciplining a worker and cutting off benefits. If an employee is covered by the FMLA and cannot perform one or more of the essential functions of his job, that employee may refuse transitional assignments and take FMLA leave. However, the FMLA only creates an entitlement to unpaid leave, and therefore, in most cases the workers' compensation indemnity payments may discontinue with the refusal to return to work. The employee retains the right to reinstatement to the position held when FMLA leave was taken.

Mistake #10. Believing workers' compensation settlements resolve ADA liabilities.

Under the ADAA, more injured employees will qualify as "Qualified Individual with a Disability" and as such can assert their right under the ADA to a reasonable accommodation, irrespective of any workers' compensation settlement. During settlement negotiations, close coordination is necessary between the company's legal, risk management, and HR departments to ensure that each office is able to accomplish its mandate without compromising the employee's rights.

RTW is a proven business strategy in both prosperous and difficult times. Properly implemented, RTW programs can reduce employer costs and improve the bottom line.

Kevin Ring is the director of community growth for the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, which trains insurance agents to help employers reduce workers' compensation expenses. He may be contacted at 828-274-0959 or [email protected].