Transitional work is an interim step in the physical recovery of an injured worker.
It is a structured program of job coaching, instruction, and education in safe work practices, and on-site conditioning activities. Transitional work programs use job tasks or a combination of tasks and functions that an individual with work restrictions may perform safely. Transitional programs emphasize real work activities as the principal means in the worker's physical recovery and structure a productive, compensated return to full duty. Transitional work is not an occupational goal, but rather a means to facilitating a successful and gradual transition back to full or regular duty for an injured individual. Transitional work programs take place at the work site and require therapeutic monitoring.