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A Second Chance to Keep a Valuable Employee

When a workplace injury changes a worker's ability to perform their job, many employers assume they have no choice but to replace them. But with the right support, that's not always the case.

One of ROII's participants, a company specializing in underground utilities, faced exactly this situation when a long-time employee was injured after slipping on ice at a job site.

The worker had been with the company for 27 years and was a highly valued member of the team. Unfortunately, the fall resulted in a serious shoulder injury that ultimately required two surgeries. Even after treatment, his medical provider determined that he would be left with permanent restrictions and would no longer be able to perform all the duties required in his original position.

For the employer, the possibility of losing nearly three decades of experience and industry knowledge was a tremendous concern.

Rather than accepting that outcome, ROII's Claim Representative worked closely with the employer and the medical provider to explore return-to-work options.

The first step was to create a detailed job description outlining the worker's pre-injury duties. The medical provider then identified which specific tasks the worker could no longer safely perform. Using that information, ROII staff helped the employer develop a modified position that combined approved job duties, additional responsibilities, and practical accommodations. The plan also included ways other crew members could assist with tasks that exceeded the worker's restrictions.

Once the new position was developed, the medical provider reviewed and approved the job description, allowing the worker to return to work safely in his new role.

The ROII Claim Rep then guided the employer through the Preferred Worker application process, and the worker received Preferred Worker certification through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

What Is the Preferred Worker Program?

Many employers are unfamiliar with the Preferred Worker Program, but it can be a valuable tool when a worker has permanent restrictions after an injury.

The program helps employers retain experienced workers by providing financial incentives and protections when hiring or accommodating a certified Preferred Worker. Depending on the situation, employers may qualify for benefits such as partial wage reimbursements, reimbursement for certain training costs, and protection against claim costs if the worker experiences a subsequent injury while working within their approved restrictions.

For employers, it can make the difference between losing a valuable employee and keeping their knowledge, skills, and experience within the company.

For workers, it creates an opportunity to remain employed, continue contributing, and stay connected to an employer and industry they know well.

How the Preferred Worker Program Can Help Employers

• Retain experienced employees with valuable industry knowledge
• Reduce the costs associated with recruiting and training replacements
• Potentially receive wage reimbursement benefits from L&I
• Access reimbursement for certain retraining expenses
• Receive protection against future claim costs when workers perform duties within approved restrictions
• Support a positive return-to-work culture within the company

The ROII Difference

Successful return-to-work outcomes don't happen by accident. They require coordination between workers, employers, medical providers, and L&I.

In this case, ROII's Claim Rep helped identify a workable solution that allowed a dedicated employee to remain with the company after 27 years of service. The employer retained a trusted team member, the worker returned to productive employment, and the company was able to take advantage of Preferred Worker benefits available through L&I.

It's a great example of how proactive claims management and return-to-work planning can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.