If you’ve been injured at work, modified duty could play a significant role in your recovery and return to work. Modified duty allows injured employees to return to work in a limited capacity while they heal, instead of staying home on temporary disability. This helps you stay engaged and productive without exacerbating your injury.
What does modified duty involve?
Modified duty means that your employer provides you with a job that accommodates your physical limitations during recovery. You won’t return to your usual duties but will perform lighter tasks that don’t put undue strain on your injury. This could involve reduced hours, a different role, or tasks that are easier on your body.
In California, the law allows employers to offer modified duty to injured workers, but they must ensure that the duties are within the restrictions set by the treating doctor. If you can’t do any work at all, temporary disability benefits may kick in. However, if your employer offers modified work, you’ll be expected to return and perform it as long as it’s within your doctor’s restrictions.
Why modified duty is important
Modified duty benefits both you and your employer. For you, it offers an opportunity to remain employed, stay connected to the workplace, and earn wages while continuing to recover. For your employer, it can reduce the financial strain of extended disability claims while helping to keep the workforce stable.
California law requires that employers provide modified or alternative work if it is available. If the work is suitable and within medical guidelines, it can help reduce the length of your disability benefits and assist with a quicker recovery.
What if I can’t perform modified duty?
If you are unable to perform the modified work due to your injury or medical condition, your employer may have to find another accommodation or continue providing temporary disability benefits. It’s important to communicate any issues with your doctor or employer to ensure that they respect your limitations.
Modified duty is a way to help you return to work safely while continuing your recovery, and California law offers strong protections to ensure that your rights are upheld during this process.
