Canadian Forces - Return To Work

REFERENCE

ADM (HR-MIL) INSTRUCTION 05/03 CANADIAN FORCES - RETURN TO WORK POLICY AND GUIDANCE Date of Issue: 2 July 2003

INTRODUCTION

The Canadian Forces Return To Work program applies to members of the Regular Force (Reg F) and Primary Reserve (P Res). Return To Work (RTW) programs have been shown to greatly benefit the recovery of injured or ill personnel. The disability cycle of doctor visits, tests and treatments, coupled with the stress and feelings of guilt that can accompany the perception that one is no longer contributing to the organization, tend to weaken patients both physically and psychologically. Studies indicate that the probability of return to any form of employment decreases rapidly with the passage of time away from work.

RTW programs are designed to facilitate and promote the early return to the workplace of personnel recovering from physical or mental illness or injury. The CF RTW program is intended for CF members and is separate from but similar to the DND General Safety RTW program, which is designed to meet the needs of Public Service employees.

The OPI for the program management is Director Casualty Support Administration (DCSA): DCSA 4-5 Maj C. Pichardie and CWO G. Guilbault.

AIM

The objective of the CF RTW Program is to facilitate the restoration of the physical and mental health of injured or ill members by helping them reintegrate into the workplace as soon as medically possible.

POLICY

Local or regional CF RTW programs are established on Base / Wing / and Headquarters. Where units are not under the command of the local Base or Wing or supported by the Base (ASG), MOU are being established to ensure that the units fall under the authority of the Base level RTW framework.

PROCESS

The success of the RTW program involves a strong partnership amongst the member, the health care / support staff team and the command / supervisory team. This partnership is based on trust, respect of boundaries (authority and confidentiality) and a shared understanding of the goals and benefits of the RTW program. All members of this partnership share a common goal of maximizing the ill / injured member's chance of recovery.

Regarding RTW, leaders provide flexible and imaginative problem solving in a supportive work environment. The members are active participants in the CF RTW process and their CO/supervisor foster positive workplace so that members are returned to effective duty as soon as medically possible.

The CF RTW process is initiated by the Health Services usually the medical officer. When the MO prescribes RTW as Part of Treatment, the Employment Limitations are evaluated and a Modified Work/Modified Duties Plan is developed in consultation with the member, his/her unit, his/her supervisor, the CF RTW unit rep or CF RTW OPI and any other specialists as required (such as Case Manager).

The transitional employment is monitored to insure the wellbeing and the recovery of the member as well as the progress of the transitional employment. The member is re-evaluated regularly by the MO.

CONTACTS

Local or regional CF RTW programs are establish on Base / Wing and Headquarters normally the J1/N1 or Base / Wing Administration Officer. Where units are not under the command of the local Base or Wing or supported by the Base (ASG), MOU are being established to ensure that the units fall under the authority of the Base level RTW framework.

For more information can contact your local CF RTW program coordinator or the CF RTW program managers at DCSA: Maj C. Pichardie and CWO G. Guilbault.

COMING SOON

Links to sites of Local CF RTW programs

CF RTW Guide (expected June/Jul 05)

CF RTW Training (development expected to be completed by Sept 05)