Identify Suitable Work


What is suitable work?

Suitable work must:

  • be within the worker's functional abilities;
  • be safe and not put the worker or co-workers at risk, or hinder recovery;
  • restore pre-injury earnings, where possible; and
  • be meaningful and promote the worker's recovery. This means that the work should serve a purpose or valuable function to the organization. Is it something that the employer would pay someone to perform?

Suitable work may involve changes to:

  • Job tasks or duties – includes alternate duties that are not normally performed by the worker, differing methods to complete job duties, organizing the job tasks, etc.
  • Workload – hours of work or work schedule.
  • Equipment – modified equipment or new equipment purchased to assist in the completion of job duties.
  • Environment – includes the work area and may include set-up, lighting, climate, etc.

If the pay or hours of work of your modified duties are different to pre-injury, talk with the case manager about payments. WSCC will pay compensation for the hours that the worker does not work, or the difference in pay for a temporary return to work plan. 

How do I identify suitable modified work?

When identifying suitable modified work, always start with the worker's original job position and ask the following questions:

If you need assistance in identifying suitable modified work, please contact the WSCC.


Industry-Specific Modified Work

Tips for helping injured workers perform safe and suitable work during their recovery process.

Tips for helping injured workers perform safe and suitable work during their recovery process.

Tips for helping injured workers perform safe and suitable work during their recovery process.

Tips for helping injured workers perform safe and suitable work during their recovery process.