Returning to work after an injury can be gradual. Your doctor’s restrictions, not your employer’s schedule alone, should set what you can safely do. This guide is general information only — see the Disclaimer.
What is light duty?
Light duty is modified work within your doctor’s restrictions — for example, no lifting over a set weight, no standing for long periods, or no use of an injured arm. Get restrictions in writing, give a copy to your employer, and keep a copy for yourself.
If light duty is not available
If your employer cannot provide work within your restrictions, tell your doctor and insurer in writing, and keep notes about what work was offered and why it did not fit your restrictions. Wage benefits may depend on this record — see Benefits overview.
Protect yourself
- Do not do work outside your restrictions to “help out” — it can hurt you and your claim.
- Report new pain or worsening symptoms to your doctor right away.
- Keep a daily note of hours worked, tasks done, and any pressure to exceed restrictions.
If you are fired, demoted, or threatened for following restrictions or filing a claim, see Fired, retaliated against, or threatened. Related: Physical therapy, FAQs.
What happens if I refuse light duty, or cannot do the light-duty job offered?
Refusing light-duty work, or finding you cannot do the job offered, can affect your claim — including temporary disability benefits. What matters is whether the job was within your doctor’s restrictions, whether it was actually offered to you, and why you could not do it. The Commission decides these questions case by case.
If the job is within your restrictions and you refuse it without a reason the Commission accepts, the insurer may argue you are no longer losing wages because of the injury, and temporary benefits may be stopped. If the job is outside your restrictions, or you tried it and could not do it, tell your doctor and your employer in writing, keep a record of what was offered and what happened, and get advice before you stop showing up.
If you are fired, demoted, or threatened for following restrictions, see Fired, retaliated against, or threatened. If you are thinking of leaving the job altogether, read Can I quit my job while I am on workers’ comp? If light duty is in dispute, speak with a lawyer about your own situation.
Verify against the IWCC: Verify return-to-work and light-duty rules against current IWCC guidance.
This page is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer.
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