Every year 6.1 million Americans suffer an injury that leaves them incapable of working.  Analysts estimate that the total payout for medical care (direct costs) coupled with the loss of income because of a decrease in productivity (indirect costs) is over 1.25 trillion dollars. 

American Businesses lose 1.25 trillion annually because of injuries.  How much is 1.25 trillion dollars?  Writer Jim Barlow puts it into perspective for us: “Compare that $1.25 trillion to total federal spending in the current fiscal year which started Oct. 1.  It will total, depending on the current budget fight in Washington, something around $1.8 trillion.  That’s serious money.”

Most physicians who treat these injured workers agree that one method of rehabilitation is almost as important as quick treatment.  What’s the best way to help an injured worker heal?  In most cases, it’s getting the employee back to work.

The reason is a logical one.  “People who don't come back to light duties as soon as possible often get out of the habit of working and never return to work. They tend to suffer more from pain. Work can be a distraction. We all know that dwelling on pain, letting it dominate our thinking, seldom makes anyone feel better.”

A PEO can be an important ally in your company’s Return-To-Work efforts. “Designing light duty and working with the injured worker daily can take time away from other tasks. This is, unfortunately, like most decisions we will make. The right decision usually turns out to be the hardest,” writes Barlow.  “But companies that make the effort wind up with improved morale, more productivity and a better work force. All this translates to the bottom line.”

“Also, remember this. An injured worker on light duty is not sitting at home watching all those advertisements from plaintiff's lawyers that flood daytime television.”

(Source:  Jim Barlow.  “When You’re Hurt, Get Back to Work.”  Houston Chronicle.)