- ·
Firefighter promptly reports injury to Chief,
officer or human resource department to start the return to work process.
L&I or self insurance claim is generated and accident report form is filled
out using lni.wa.gov/filefast or by department policy. A claim number is
usually generated.
- ·
Chief or Officer sends firefighter to health
care provider with a return to work package. This usually includes the
department’s SOG or SOP with return to work instructions, Job Analysis and Job
Description forms for both Full and Light Duty.
- ·
After examination, the Health Care Provider
signs an Activity Prescription Form for: A) Release for full duty based on the
Full Duty Job Description Form. B) Release for Light duty on Light Duty Job
Description form. C) Injured firefighter is not released for any work at the
time.
- ·
Firefighter is offered a light duty position
which must be approved by his or her Health Care Provider on the Light Duty Job
Description Form or by letter. The Stay at Work Program may reimburse
departments for up to 50% of light duty wages paid for up to 66 days ($10,000
maximum).
- ·
After a period of recovery time, firefighter is
reassessed by Health Care Provider and the assessment in step 3 is repeated. If
cleared to return to work, Firefighter is released on Full Duty Job Description
Form.
- ·
If injury caused an extended absence, Training
Officer has firefighter complete re-entry program and verifies full duty
readiness. The program is designed to make the transition back to full duty and
reduce skill degradation.
- ·
FIREFIGHTER IS RETURNED TO FULL DUTY!
Find free Return to Work resources for Fire Agencies, including sample
forms, program details and information here: https://www.washingtonfirechiefs.com/Resources/TimelossResources.aspx