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Disability Management

About Disability Management

The Disability Management Program is a supportive, non-punitive program designed to minimize the impact of being off work due to an illness or injury.  The Program provides services to:

  1. the injured worker in terms of co-ordinating medical and rehabilitation services;
  2. the employer and union to develop a Disability Management Program at the worksite; and
  3. both the employer and the worker in designing return-to-work programs to facilitate the early return of a worker who is off work

These programs are intended to reduce the overall impact of being off work in terms of the psychological, social and economic costs to the individual worker, the company and society in general.

The Costs

While the costs to employers when an employee is off work due to an illness is considerable, the human cost is immeasurable.  Ilness or injury is a major adjustment for the employee and family members.  It affects his/her confidence, self-esteem, pride and feelings of value in the community.  If the employee is away from the worksite for any period of time, these feelings intensify making a successful return to the workplace even more challenging.  The worksite is also affected as co-workers suffer from the loss of the individual's contribution, knowledge, abilities and expertise.  Productivity at the worksite can also be affected.

This program is fully funded by the employer.  There is no financial cost to the employee.

The Service

If you are off work due to an illness or injury, a Disability Management Worker will be in contact with you at your convenience.  You  can expect the worker to spend some time with you understanding your particular situation.  The Disability Management Worker becomes your consultant, advocate and coach in the process of accessing the services you need and eventually return to good health and/or work.  As the client, you are always in control of the process and can make use of the Disability Management Program to whatever extent you feel useful.  As the intent is to assist people in an early return to work, this can only be done when you are ready.  Modified duties or a gradual return to worksite may be recommended.

An Effective Disability Management Program

Effective Disability Management Programs within an organization depends on the cooperation of employers, human resources departments, supervisors, co-workers and the ill or injured worker.  Everyone needs to work towards assisting the individual in returning to good health and/or work as costs to the individual, his/her family, the community and medical services are enormous.

Confidentiality

Although your employer is paying for this service, the information you share with your Disability Management Worker is confidential.  In order to best assist you in the process the Disability Management Worker may ask persmission to share specific information with your doctor, rehabilitation services, WCB and your employer. 

There are some circumstances when some information cannot be kept confidential:

  1. In the case of child abuse;
  2. If there is a possibility of suicide; and
  3. Homicide or danger to others.

These circumstances must be reported to the appropriate authorities.  All other information shared in session is strictly confidential unless otherwise agreed upon in writing as indicated above.  This information may only be released to another professional with your written consent or by a court order.

 

To discuss Disability Management opportunities for you and or your company, please Contact Your Walmsley & Associates Corporate Service Representative!