Why a log matters
Light duty can sound simple on paper but fail in real life. A worker with a back, shoulder, neck, head, or brain injury may be offered a job that does not match the doctor's restrictions or the worker's actual abilities.
What to record
- Date of the light duty offer.
- Who made the offer.
- Exact job tasks.
- Hours and location.
- Doctor restrictions in effect that day.
- What happened when the worker tried the job.
- Any texts, emails, or written job offers.
Failed light duty
If a worker tries light duty and cannot do it, write down what task caused the problem, what symptoms occurred, who was told, and whether the employer sent the worker home or changed the job.
Return-to-work red flags
Red flags include being fired after a work injury, being told to do work outside restrictions, being offered light duty that does not exist, or being forced to choose between pain and losing the job.