In the 20+ years I've been a case manager, I've certainly seen employers grow to embrace the idea and benefit of light duty work. In the 1990's the Safety Director at one factory used to say "if the employee can't lift more than 10-lbs., they can't open our door to get in - We don't have room to babysit!" Staff changes have come and gone several times since then, and the mindset of the company has totally changed now to one of accommodating pretty much any restriction in order to avoid lost time as long as it is in the best interest of the injured worker. Right now, Kelli Wells, RN has an injury case with that same company that demonstrates how light duty can benefit everyone involved. The injured worker sustained a bump to his shin that he didn't think was significant. Within a week, it became apparent the resulting wound was not healing adequately, and the IW was referred to a general practitioner, who recommended referral to a wound...
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