"Ease Back" or "Modified Return-To-Work" Programs

At Classic, we recognize the importance of returning employees to work as quickly as appropriate after an illness or injury. By facilitating a safe and prompt return to work, both employee and the employer benefit.

The employee benefits from:

1. Reinstated wages.
2. Regaining functionality, restored independence and enhanced quality of life.
3. Restored positive self-esteem.
4. The return to society as a contributing, productive member.
5. Prevention of de-conditioning, chronic pain and psychological impact of prolonged time off work.

The employer benefits from:

1. The return of a valuable, trained worker to the workforce.
2. Lower health care expenditures - decreased medical treatment costs, reduction in disability payments, reduced insurance premiums.
3. Maintaining productivity and improvement in their overall profit margin.
4. Sustained morale of other employees.

Classic's position on Return-to-Work is based on the following statement issued by The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS):

"The AAOS believes that safe, early return-to-work programs are in the best interest of patients. Studies have demonstrated that prolonged time away from work makes recovery and return to work progressively less likely. Return to work in light duty, part-time, or modified duty programs is important in preventing the deconditioning and psychological behavior patterns that inhibit successful return to work and in improving quality of life for the injured worker".

Highlights of Classic's Modified Return to Work Programs:

1. Our programs are customized to meet the specific needs of the employee and their employer.
2. They are designed to reduce absenteeism due to injury or illness.
3. Our programs are aimed at early, safe and sustainable return to work of the employees.
4. They can assist the employer to broaden the scope of their current workers' compensation return to work programs to incorporate personal illness or injury disability.
5. These programs are progressive in nature and may include modified job duties or modified work hours.