“Pros and Cons of Light-Duty Work”

Swift Currie attorney Rusty Watts authored an article published by the Society for Human Resource Management Magazine that highlights, “Pros and Cons of Light-Duty Work.”

Watts begins by discussing the advantages of light-duty work, such as accelerating an employee’s timeline to return to full duty and establishing a routine that fosters productivity. A faster return to full duty enables employees to regain financial stability sooner. During light-duty assignments, employers can also more effectively monitor the employee’s progress as they receive treatment.

He then cautions employers about the potential drawbacks of light-duty work, including the risk of reinjury, particularly in repetitive motion cases. Light-duty programs can also be costly and sometimes lead to discontent among employees performing the full scope of their duties for the same pay.

Watts emphasizes the importance of assessing whether the light-duty job is suitable by considering the claimant's personal circumstances and abilities. He also highlights the viability of these jobs, noting, “Employers have often simply created a job the claimant can return to in order to get them out of their home, but these jobs may or may not actually benefit the business; that is, they may only exist to pressure a claimant to return to work.”

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