Work Trials Work trials are an excellent tool to re-acquaint a disabled worker to the workplace. It can be used whether the worker has been off for three weeks or three months. The trial allows the worker to re-acclimatize them self into a regular work routine without the added pressure of meeting a production quota. A work trial allows the worker to perform the activities he is physically able to perform, gradually working towards resuming full duties and hours. If the worker is only capable of working four hours a day, employers can pay full salary during the trial or defer paying the worker and having the insurance provider continue to pay benefits until the worker has demonstrated an ability to work safely.
Cost sharing is also a common practice.
The employer pays the worker for hours worked and the insurance carrier tops up the worker's pay to the benefit level. The work trial length varies according to the seriousness of the disability, job demands, work hours and treatment program. A work trial should not last more than three months. If it does you need to redefine your return to work objective. Work Hardening Work hardening assist the worker re-acquire the ability to perform the essential duties of a job.