The stay at work program is a new L&I program, designed to give money to the employer, if they bring their injured worker back to light duty or part time work.
Program Limitations and requirements
- State fund claims only (not self-insured)
- Reimbursement of 50% to employer, for a maximum of 66 days at work, or $10,000 whichever occurs first
- Employer must complete a job description form
- Wage calculations are limited to base wages and overtime. Does not include tips, bonus, health care, etc;
- Reimbursement to the employer can include wages, training, tools, and clothing
- Your employer will communicate with your doctor
Is Stay at Work a Good Program?
This is a well intentioned program. It gives the employer an incentive to get their injured workers back on the job.
However some unscrupulous employers take advantage of this program.
- An employer can be better off with you injured than with you healthy. The employer gets money,and you keep working.
- Many employers do not honor light duty job restrictions. Some employers will send you right back to the same job. Working beyond restrictions can cause reinjury. Be careful.
