Early intervention can lower costs
Improving the SAW/RTW outcomes of individuals who experience an injury or illness that inhibits their ability to work is a key policy goal. Beginning in 2013, ODEP funded research to explore effective practices under the stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) umbrella, with a goal of informing policy recommendations targeting federal and state agencies as well as the private sector. A compelling case emerged for advancing SAW/RTW through early intervention strategies as a cost-effective, mutually beneficial means of partially addressing the high unemployment of Americans with disabilities. Successful SAW/RTW early intervention strategies, if sufficiently promoted, could result in lower costs for the American taxpayer, lower personnel costs for employers and higher incomes for recovering workers.
Guidance for effective SAW/RTW interventions
SAW/RTW programs available on a large scale may have the most impact on those workers likely to leave the labor force without such assistance. Developing effective SAW/RTW programs requires information about the current policy landscape and evidence about what kinds of SAW/RTW assistance is effective and for whom.
The findings below highlight a number of areas for future research and provide guidance on strategies to expand evidence for effective SAW/RTW interventions.
Synthesis of SAW/RTW Programs, Models, Efforts, & Definitions [2020]
This report and the accompanying summary describe SAW/RTW programs operating in the U.S. at the time of publication.
Synthesis of Evidence about SAW/RTW and Related Programs [2020]
This report and the companion summary provide a synthesis of evidence published between 2008 and 2018 on the effects of SAW/RTW or related programs on employment and the receipt of federal disability benefits.
Early Intervention Pathway Map and Population Profiles [2020]
This report and the companion summary provide a synthesis of evidence published between 2008 and 2018 on the effects of SAW/RTW or related programs on employment and the receipt of federal disability benefits.
Evaluation Design Options Report [2020]
This report and the accompanying summary offer five options for new research to build evidence about the target populations for SAW/RTW and to test the effects of interventions on employment outcomes.
Findings in Brief [2020]
This report includes a summary of information about the study, the process, and findings from each report.
Improving Pain Management and Support for Workers with Musculoskeletal Disorders: Policies to Prevent Work Disability and Job Loss [2017]
Resource Compendium
Preventing Work Disability after MSK Injuries: Underlying Issues Surrounding Policies and Guidance
How to Mitigate Risk Factors for Long-Term MSK Work Disability: A Tool for Front-Line Professionals
Case Studies: Three Successful, Cost-Effective Pilot Intervention Programs to Prevent Work Disability after MSK Injury
Improving Occupational Health Care Delivery to Support Workers' Compensation RTW: Building on Evidence-Based Practice from Washington's COHE Experience [2017]
Guide to Conducting State Pilot Programs to Improve SAW/RTW Outcomes in Occupational Health
Transition Back to Work: Policies to Support RTW after Illness or Injury
Engaging Employers in SAW/RTW Programs
State Strategies for Helping Workers Keep their Jobs after an Injury, Illness, or Disability [2016]
Issue Brief: Recommendations on Retention and Reemployment Could Keep Workers in Jobs After Injury or Illness
Issue Brief: How Can States Help Workers Keep Their Jobs After Injury, Illness, or Disability?
Infographic: State SAW/RTW Strategy Examples
Behavioral Interventions to Promote Job Retention after Injury or Illness [2016]
Issue Brief: Behavioral Interventions to Help Workers Keep Their Jobs After an Injury or Illness
Expanding Washington's COHE Program Beyond Workers' Compensation [2016]
Issue Brief: Keeping Workers with Medical Problems Employed: Can an Intervention That Succeeded Inside Workers’ Compensation Succeed Outside?
RTW in the Health Care Sector: Promising Practices and Success Stories [2015]
The Role of the Physician in the RTW Process [2015]
Assessing the Costs and Benefits of RTW Programs [2015]
Issue Brief: Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Return-to-Work Programs
Issue Brief: The Case for Public Investment
Establishing Accountability to Reduce Job Loss after Injury [2015]
Issue Brief: Job Loss After Injury or Illness: Making Stakeholders More Accountable
Targeting Early Intervention to Workers who Need Help to Stay in the Labor Force [2015]
Issue Brief: The Right Help for the Right Workers at the Right Time Can Keep Them on the Job