Return to work (RTW) efforts have been linked to
increased worker satisfaction and improved productivity
following RTW [6, 7]. RTW approaches use targeted
interventions like workplace accommodation, which has
been shown to reduce the duration of work-related disability
and its associated negative impacts [7]. Work
accommodation may include, for example, shorter work
hours, modified duties, lighter duties or changes to equipment,
and is more effective than other workplace interventions
at reducing sickness absence, increasing job
retention and controlling costs [8, 9]. For example, a systematic
review completed by Williams et al. [9] examined
a variety of workplace rehabilitation programs and found
that modified work was most effective in facilitating early
RTW, reducing disability, reducing pain and decreasing the
rate of back injuries. A similar systematic review conducted
by Franche et al. [10] examined the effects of
workplace interventions on early RTW. They found that
accommodation and early contact with the worker following
injury reduces disability duration [10]