The One Letter That Could Save Your Business Thousands—Are You Using It?
Light Duty Offer Letters serve as a formal means to extend employment opportunities to individuals under work restrictions due to injuries. These letters are instrumental in not only offering employment within the confines of the doctor-prescribed restrictions but also in obtaining the employee’s acknowledgment of the job offer.
When an employee is offered suitable work that aligns with their medical restrictions, and they choose to decline, it’s important to note that such individuals are not eligible for workers’ compensation lost wage benefits. The Light Duty Offer Letter is meticulously tailored to the specific restrictions provided by the medical professional and reaffirms the commitment to adhere to these restrictions.
Furthermore, it delineates the employee’s ongoing commitment to company policies, including attendance requirements. It explicitly states that any violations of company policies can lead to termination. It’s essential to emphasize that an injury does not absolve an employee from their responsibility to fulfill work obligations.
However, it’s equally critical to maintain thorough documentation of any policy violations leading up to termination. Additionally, initiating the documentation process with a Light Duty Offer Letter at the onset of the injury can be invaluable in substantiating a legitimate termination decision.