GRTW
What is a GRTW
GRTW stands for graduated return to work. As the name outlines, a GRTW is a reintroduction into the workplace via modified hours, modified duties and/or alternate duties.
what happens when worker is not job attached
Workers are provided treatment and then WSBC decides a suitable length of time of wage loss benefits.
What happens when a worker is off work and has been at physiotherapy for some time?
RTWSS – This is a program where a RTW Specialist (OT, PT, Kin) visit the job site to determine job demands and from there, develop and monitor a GRTW plan.
what are the 2 classifications of fractures
Open fracture (aka compound fracture)
When the bone either pokes through the skin and can be seen or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin.
Closed fracture (aka simple fracture)
When the bone is broken, but the skin is intact.
What is a Headache?
A headache is pain in any area of the head. A headache may present as a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation or a dull ache. Headaches can last from less than an hour to several days.
4 steps for preparing for a GRTW
1) Exercise program
2) physio treatments
3) work simulation tasks
4) education
Other WorkSafeBC programs to assist injured workers:
- Hand therapy programs
- Concussion programs
- Expedited Medical Imaging Services
- Expedited Surgical Facilities Services
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- MARP Programs
- Mental Health Treatments
- Occupational Therapy Services
What happens when a worker is not able to resume regular hours and duties after physiotherapy?
OR1 - This is a 6-week rehabilitation program consisting of a PT and Kinesiologist. This program is 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. Treatment plans focus on:
- Active rehabilitation
- Work simulation activities
- GRTW planning and support
Causation of Fractures
Fractures typically occur when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can take. Common causes of fractures
•Trauma such as a fall or a direct blow to the body.
•Overuse or repetitive motions can tire muscles and put more pressure on the bone causing it to fracture. This type of fracture is common in athletes.
•Diseases that weaken the bone. For example, osteoporosis or cancer in the bones.
name 4 types of headaches
1) sinus
2) migraine
3) tension
4) cluster
4 pain management techniques to utilize at work
1)Frequent postural changes /Alter job tasks
2)Microbreaks to rest, stretch,apply heat, self massage, etc.
3)Practice pacing principles
4)Sleep well and eat well
name and explain the first 2 steps of claim process
1)File a claim
WorkSafeBC will gather all pertinent information to determine if the claim will be accepted. On average, this can be 10 days
2) Receive benefits and services for accepted claims
Wage loss payments are provided as soon as possible if the worker is unable to work or unable to participate in modified duties. Services accepted may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, massage therapy, chiropractor services, or specialist appointments. Workers may be eligible for reimbursement for injury related costs (i.e. pain medication, medical supplies, medical equipment, etc.)
What happens when a worker is not able to resume regular hours and duties after OR1 or has a more complex injury?
OR2 - This is a 10-week rehabilitation program consisting of a PT, OT, Psychologist, Physician and Kinesiologist. This program is 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. Treatment plans focus on:
- Active rehabilitation
- Work simulation activities
- GRTW planning and support
- Education on topics such as pain management, body mechanics and soft tissue healing
list 4 Symptoms of fractures
1) Sudden Pain
2) Trouble moving the injured area or nearby joints
3) swelling
4) Obvious Deformity
5) Warmth, bruising, or redness
name 2 pain management techniques
1) headache diary
2)adapt to environmental triggers
3) relaxation
4)Heat/cold packs
5) exercise/stretch
6)pacing
provide 3 tips for a successful GRTW
Use two hands to grip objects whenever possible
•Change positions frequently
• Lift in a smooth and controlled movement – avoid jerking
• Position objects close to the body to minimize unnecessary forward reaching
• Perform a tug test to gauge the weight of the object
Be assertive in communicating your abilities and limitations and/or need for altering work methods with your supervisor and coworkers.
• Practice a sentence that you can use when people ask you to do a job that is more than you are capable of e.g. “I’m sorry but my therapist says that I cannot do that yet.”
name and explain the last 2 steps of claim process
3)Manage the claim
Workers may use the online tools provided to obtain information about their wage loss benefits, accepted services, and all correspondence regarding their claim.
4)Recover and resume usual work duties
It is encouraged the worker follow up with both WorkSafeBC and their health care provider if their condition does not resolve or if they need to miss work due to their workplace injury or illness.
What happens if a worker cannot resume regular hours and duties?
If a worker is having difficulty returning to work or the job is no longer available because of the injury, a vocational rehabilitation consultant (VRC) steps in. A VRC will collaborate with the worker to:
- Find alternate ways to return to work with the previous employer via permanent limitations
- Help identify suitable employment / position with a new employer
The goal of this program is to assist the worker find suitable, long term work.
factors causing poor healing
fracture characteristic
reduced blood flood
obesity
malnutrition
infection
advanced age
anemia
smoking
what is a primary headache
A primary headache is caused by problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head. Chemical activity in your brain, the nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull, or the muscles of your head can cause primary headaches
What are GRTW expectations
Speak with your Occupational Therapist and/or treatment team weekly to update your progress.
• Adhere to the recommendations such as work schedule, lift limits, avoiding certain job duties in the early stages, regular breaks/stretching, pacing, etc.
• Immediately contact your treatment team in the following circumstances: Unable to attend work, Significant change of symptoms, Not meeting goals written in the plan
who do you contact to make a claim
worksafe bc
Vocational Rehab Support
1.Vocational rehab specialist (VRC) will speak with the employer to determine whether there is another job with the same employer which matches the worker’s functional abilities.
2.Vocational rehab will conduct research on whether there is a more appropriate job within the same industry. They will assist with items such as resume preparation, and may perform testing for suitable jobs to provide guidance on areas to look in a job search (typically completed over a 6 week period).
name the 4 phases of bone healing
1) Hematoma Formation (Days 1 to 5)
2) Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation (Days 5 to 11)
3) Bony Callus Formation (Days 11 to 28)
4) Bone Remodelling (Day 18 onwards, lasting months to years)
what is a secondary headache
A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease/condition/injury that activates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2020). Secondary headaches are managed by treating the underlying condition (Kaniecki, 2003).
Examples:
•Sinus
•Stroke
•Hypertension
•Dehydration
•Brain Tumor