After you have suffered a work-related injury, you will begin treatment with a doctor selected by your employer. This doctor will establish your medical limitations and work restrictions.
These may include limitations on the maximum weight you can lift, the amount of time your employer can require you to stand or sit, the maximum distance you can walk in a day, and the number of hours you can work in a day or a week. If your employer has a part-time or light-duty role that falls within your medical restrictions, it can require you to return to work in that role.
You could lose your workers’ compensation benefits if you refuse a modified duty role that complies with your medical restrictions. However, your employer cannot require you to perform work or job tasks that exceed your medical limitations. In addition, once your treating doctor certifies you fit to return to full duty, your employer can require you to return to your pre-injury role.