In the 2004 worker’s compensation reform a $500,000 dollar budget was set aside for modifications made for return to work employees  at small businesses. A small business is classified as 50 or fewer employees.  The budget provides up to $2500 to employers who make accommodations for permanently disabled employees and $1250 for temporary disabled employees.  Accommodations that can be reimbursed are items that help employees heal from their injury and prevent a re-injury, for example  ergonomic work stations.

The program has attempted to advertise as  “Bring ‘em Back” but unfortunately only a minute part of the budget has been used because employers  either do not know of the back to work program, are reluctant to participate because of the difficult economic times, or assume there is too much paperwork involved.

The good news is small businesses now have up to 2020 to apply for the program and there more than $400,000 to distribute.

If you are a small business check out this website for more information: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/Returntoworkreimbursementprogram/returntowork.htm

Contra Costa County receives $600,000 to fight worker’s compensation fraud.

To learn more visit: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/0080-2009/nr098-09.cfm