The Do’s and Don’ts of Light Duty Job Offers
In 2024, Ohio employers paid over $180,000,000 in lost time expenses after workplace injuries, with an average cost of $37,000 per claim in lost time expenses alone . One of the best ways to reduce lost time expenses is by offering light duty work to an injured worker after a workplace injury. Light duty work not only reduces claim expenses for the employer, but it’s also beneficial to the injured worker by keeping them engaged in the workforce during their recovery. However, if an employer wants to offer light duty work, they must do so with care to ensure compliance with the rules set forth in the Ohio Administrative Code and Ohio Revised Code. Ohio Administrative Code 4121-3-32(A)(6) sets forth that a “job offer” means “a proposal, made in good faith, of suitable employment within a reasonable proximity of the injured worker’s residence”. OAC 4121-3-32(A)(6) further states that any written job offer shall: 1) identify the position offered, 2) inc...