Workers’ Compensation

Return-to-Work Guidelines

San Diego State University has a commitment beyond our legal obligation to provide our employees who incur an injury or illness on the job with the best possible recovery program. The university will make every attempt to provide temporary work, at the earliest date medically possible, tailored to the abilities of employees who are injured on the job.

All alternative and modified job assignments will be structured to meet the capacities and therapy needs of the injured employee. This work is often referred to as “light duty” or “modified” work. Such assignments are temporary in nature, are within an employee’s abilities, knowledge and skills, and are monitored by the supervisor and Workers’ Compensation Manager. Job restrictions, as defined by treating physicians, are strictly adhered to by both the employee and employer. Employees are required to provide a work status report from their doctor before returning to work.

Modified and alternative jobs are subject to regular re-evaluation. The treating physician will address any restrictions if applicable, upon each medical appointment. Upon receiving additional information, the university will re-evaluate its ability to provide temporary, modified work and to increase or decrease the assigned tasks, based on the restrictions outlined by the physician.