Small businesses get assistance returning injured employees to work

Source: Texas Workforce Commission - Texas Business Today Fall 2007/Winter 2008 Issue

The performance of a small company's employee can have a direct impact on the profitability of an employer's business.  When an employee has had a work-related injury or illness, employers can benefit if the employee is able to continue working or return to work as soon as it is medically appropriate.  However, many small employers cannot afford the workplace modifications that may be needed for an injured employee to continue working or return to work.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation (TDI-DWC), can now reimburse small employers for expenses incurred for workplace modifications, including special equipment, tools, furniture or devices, or other associated costs which can allow an injured employee to start work or return to work.  A small Texas employer that carries workers' compensation insurance coverage and has two to 50 employees may now be eligible to receive reimbursement up to $2,500 for qualified expenses.  The program also allows for guaranteed repayment of expenses associated with workplace modifications that have been preauthorized by TDI-DWC.

A return-to-work pilot project for small employers was created by the Legislature in 2005, and 2007.  Lawmakers approved legislation allowing Commissioner of Workers' Compensation Albert Betts to preauthorize reimbursements to employers participating in the pilot project.

"Returning injured employees to the workplace when they are medically able is a main goal of the Texas Workers' compensation system.  The pilot program will benefit small employers and injured employees in Texas by assisting them in their efforts to achieve this outcome," according to Commissioner Betts.

To apply for the reimbursement, a small employer must submit an Application for Reimbursement from the Return-To-Work Account for Small Employers (DWC Form-008) to TDI-DWC.  The form is available for download from the TDI-DWC website.  For more information on the Return to Work Reimbursement Program for small employers, contact TDI-DWC Return-To-Work Services by calling (512) 804-5000, or by E-mail. 

TDI-DWC also offers workplace safety resources for small employers through the Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program (OSHCON).  They offer regional training seminars, free video loans, free safety and health publications, and more.  For more information on these workplace safety resources, visit the TDI-DWC website.