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At Your Side During Difficult Life-Changing Times

Your rights and responsibilities for transitional employment

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2025 | Workers' Compensation |

Returning to work after an injury can be a cumbersome process. If your doctor says you can work but with restrictions, your employer may offer you transitional employment that accommodates your physical limitations. Knowing your rights and responsibilities in this situation can help prevent problems and protect your job. 

What is transitional employment?

Transitional employment in Georgia is a temporary work arrangement that helps injured employees return to the workforce while they recover. A common name other states use is “light-duty work,” but the Georgia Focus program prefers the term “transitional employment.” It allows you to perform modified job duties that match your medical restrictions. Employers may adjust tasks, reduce hours, or assign different roles to accommodate your limitations. 

The goal is to help workers gradually regain strength and skills until they can return to their regular jobs. This program benefits both workers and employers by maintaining productivity and reducing long-term disability risks.

What are your rights and responsibilities?

In Georgia, if your employer offers transitional employment that follows your restrictions, you must accept it. If the job does not meet the doctor’s orders, however, you have the right to refuse it. Keeping a copy of your medical restrictions helps ensure that you are only doing tasks you can handle. If your employer refuses to follow these restrictions, report the issue to a supervisor. 

You also have the right to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits if you cannot work or if your transitional work pays less than your regular wages. In some cases, you may receive partial benefits to make up for lost income.

Your responsibilities include following your doctor’s instructions and communicating with your employer. If you refuse a job that meets your medical restrictions, you may lose workers’ compensation benefits. You should also keep track of your hours and tasks to ensure that your employer respects your limitations.

If you experience pain or your condition worsens while doing transitional employment, report it immediately. Your doctor may need to adjust your work restrictions. Ignoring symptoms or working beyond your limits can slow down recovery and cause further injury.

Safeguarding your rights and fulfilling your responsibilities can make transitional employment easier to manage. Stay informed, follow your doctor’s orders, and communicate with your employer to ensure a smooth return to work.