Returning to work
After absence due to back pain, the caseworker may recommend:
- A phased return
- Transitional working arrangements:
- modified duties
- altered hours of attendance
- alternative duties
- Permanent job re-design
Such arrangements need to:
- Be agreed by management
- Involve the worker with decisions
- Allow for purchase of new equipment
- Have consideration of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2005
Overcoming the psychosocial yellow flags is an important part of rehabilitation, functional and vocational restoration.
Large businesses often have access to specialists and an occupational health service to assist with rehabilitation. Small businesses can also have access to these kinds of arrangements through:
- 'Good neighbours' - where large companies offer small businesses in their supply chain access to their support services.
- Going it alone - Some small businesses find it worthwhile to make local partnership arrangements with health professionals. These contacts can also help advise on how to manage risk of back pain in the workplace.
- Employer’s liability insurance - may be another way to access specialist advice
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