Returning To Work After Injury - Work Adjustment For Recovery

[Iggle Piggle]

I'm about to dig out the books but thought I'd be lazy and ask you folks first...

If someone has a muscular injury (occurred at work) and the doctor recommends light duties only, is the company obliged in law to make adjustments? Or can they simply say the 'company does not recognise' this need and the employee must resume full physical duties ?

[boxtops]

In my experience - no, the company doesn't have to honour it. Not every employer can accommodate light duties, in which case there is no such role in their organisation. In that case, your GP would have to continue to certify you off as unfit to perform your pre-injury role, until you are able to do so.

Are you putting in an employers' liability claim for the work-related injury?

[boxtops]

..^ to cover, e.g. any loss of earnings, breach of H&S, etc.

[Maydup]

As Boxie has explained, and to clarify, the employer cannot insist on resumption of full physical duties, but can refuse light duties.

The fit note will say light duties, and the employer should give consideration to this but if they have none, they cannot disagree with the doctors but can refuse the request. This leaves the person off sick and unfit for work.

[boxtops]

Thanks maydup - glad to see it's not changed since my days in EL claims!