Accurate Job Descriptions in the Workers’ Compensation System

Introduction

Font-line treating physicians need a good physical job description to target the patient’s recovery and return to work.  Having a good physical job description also helps the doctor better understand the mechanics of injury to help improve the accuracy of diagnosis.  A good physical job description helps the patient and the doctor agree on the recovery return to work goals.  When the front-line clinics that treat injured workers do not have the job description at hand, they end up guessing about the recovery goals.  If the physical job description is not already at the clinic, ideally, the injured worker should be sent to the clinic with a copy of the physical job description.

In workers’ compensation, an accurate job description is the most underrated tool to help facilitate injured worker recovery and return to work. I calculate that if correctly leveraged by the treating doctor, the physical therapist, and the claims examiner, an excellent job description can reduce lost time[ to two days per lost-time claim and take up to 3% off the total cost of a claim. Yet, this tool is not a focus of employers, insurance underwriters, examiners, treating doctors, or physical therapists.  Ideally, employers (and the treating clinics) have a bank of accurate physical job descriptions.  The existence and use of physical job descriptions should be an underwriting factor when insurance companies determine coverage or pricing.  

Key Focus: Providing Accurate Job Descriptions

Accurate job descriptions are pivotal in ensuring doctors and physical therapists understand the physical demands and specific tasks involved in the injured worker’s job. This knowledge is essential for developing effective treatment and rehabilitation plans, ultimately aiding in a faster and safer return to work.

Accurate Job Descriptions Matter

 1.  Enhanced Medical Treatment:

• Verifying the job description with the patient provides the doctor with a better understanding of the mechanics of the injury, which can enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis.
• Accurate job descriptions enable healthcare providers to tailor rehabilitation programs to address the specific needs and challenges of the injured worker’s role.
• Doctors and therapists can make better-informed decisions regarding work restrictions and readiness to return to work when they understand the exact nature of the worker’s duties.
• Understanding the mechanics of the job can help the treating doctor address the fear of returning to work (Kinesiophobia)*

2.  Improved Claims Management:

• Providing job descriptions to claims examiners ensures that all parties involved in the claims process consistently understand the job’s physical requirements.
• Detailed job descriptions can streamline claims by reducing misunderstandings and setting appropriate work restrictions.

3.  Better Return-to-Work Outcomes:

• Accurate job descriptions help ensure workers are only cleared to return when they can safely perform their duties, reducing the risk of re-injury.
• With precise information about job requirements, healthcare providers can focus on helping workers regain the skills and strengths needed for their jobs, potentially speeding up recovery times.

Practical Steps for Employers

 1.  Develop Comprehensive Job Descriptions:

• Include information about lifting requirements, repetitive motions, standing or sitting durations, and other physical demands.
• Clearly describe the tasks and responsibilities of the job, including any machinery or equipment used.
• Mention environmental factors such as exposure to noise, dust, or temperature extremes.
• Use your front-line employees to verify the accuracy of the job description.

2.  Regularly Update Descriptions:

• Ensure job descriptions are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in job roles or working conditions.
• Engage employees in the process to ensure accuracy and completeness.

3.  Share with Healthcare Providers:

• Provide job descriptions to doctors and physical therapists as part of the claims process.
• Ensure the information is presented in an accessible, easy-to-understand format.

4.  Integrate into Claims Management:

• Claims Documentation: Include job descriptions as a standard part of the documentation required for workers’ compensation claims.
• Training for Claims Professionals: Train claims professionals on using accurate job descriptions effectively in the claims process.

Conclusion

Accurate job descriptions are vital for effectively managing workers’ compensation claims and the return of injured workers to their jobs. Employers should prioritize creating and providing these descriptions to claims examiners, doctors, and physical therapists. By doing so, they can enhance medical treatment, improve claims management, and achieve better return-to-work outcomes. Understanding and implementing these practices can support the health and productivity of the workforce, ensuring that injured workers can safely and efficiently return to their roles​

*Kinesiophobia is an excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear of physical movement and activity. It’s often caused by a feeling of vulnerability to injury or reinjury due to pain. People with kinesiophobia may believe that pain is a sign of bodily harm and that any activity that causes pain is dangerous and should be avoided.