An aching back does not have to ruin the job. Californians can work at their job again during the time they recover from a work injury or illness.

A return to work begins with a discussion with the doctor and the employer on the things that can safely get done on the job.

The Work Difficulties.

The regular approach to returning to work is to first find out from the treating doctor the things that can get done on the job, and the things that can not. Typically, the treating doctor examines their patient soon after the injury happens or the illness proves too hard to handle. The worker and their employer make it clear to the doctor the regular demands on the worker experienced on the job. The worker also gives the doctor a full description of their health condition and their ability to do their job.

After learning all the facts they need to know, the doctor will describe work restrictions and write them up. The employer then has a discussion on the restrictions with the worker so the two can work out a new work agreement.

Earned income will either add to workers' compensation benefits or replace the insurance money.

Time To Stay Productive

A worker weakened by injury or illness might not last as long as they used to. Eight hour days can eventually wear them out. Repeated tasks, such as lifting, can do more harm than good. Doctors can choose to limit the amount of total time worked in a day or the amount of time spent doing a particular task or working in a particular position. The main goal is to prevent further injury or a worsening of the illness.

Acting Useful, Not Unsafe

When back on the job, there is no reason to decide between staying productive and staying safe. Workers just need to follow their doctor's orders on restriction when deciding with the boss the things they can do and will agree to doing. Lifting 50 pound paper boxes might be ruled out. But, cutting stacks of paper into sheets while sitting be safe. Work that has to get left undone can get replaced with safe work.

A Little Support

Equipment and machines can make work a little easier. A back pillow can keep a worker with a sore back comfortable enough to work all day. A wrist pad can counteract fatigue and pain that a lifelong administrative assistant with weakened wrists might experience while typing for long hours.

A Californian can look into the available machines before deciding to give up on a task. A fan that blows fumes away from the work area can make it easy enough to breathe healthily.

The Agreed Work Demands

Californians can stay busy and earn an income. They just have to adapt to new work.

California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation, Workers' Compensation in California: A Guidebook for Injured Workers (Third Edition, November 2006).