Light duty: Overview, definition, and example
What is light duty?
Light duty refers to modified work tasks or responsibilities that are less physically demanding than an employee’s usual job duties. This accommodation is often made for employees who are recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, and it allows them to continue working while they are unable to perform their full duties. Light duty work typically involves less strenuous tasks or changes to the employee’s schedule to accommodate their physical limitations.
For example, an employee recovering from a back injury may be given light-duty tasks, such as answering phones or performing administrative work, rather than lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods.
Why is light duty important?
Light duty is important because it helps employees stay engaged in the workplace while recovering from an injury or health condition. It provides an opportunity for employees to return to work sooner and continue contributing without risking further injury or strain. Additionally, light duty helps businesses maintain productivity and retain employees by providing a temporary adjustment to work conditions, rather than having the employee absent for an extended period.
For employers, offering light duty can minimize downtime, improve employee morale, and comply with regulations such as workers’ compensation laws, which often require accommodating injured workers. For employees, light duty provides the chance to remain employed, earn income, and maintain a sense of normalcy during recovery.
Understanding light duty through an example
Imagine an employee who injures their hand while performing manual labor at a factory. The employee’s doctor recommends light duty for the next six weeks. The employer offers the employee light-duty tasks such as inspecting products, sorting materials, and supervising other workers, instead of performing their usual physical labor like heavy lifting or operating machinery. This allows the employee to continue working and receiving their wages while avoiding further injury.
In another example, an office worker who recently had knee surgery may be temporarily assigned light duty, such as reviewing documents or attending meetings, while avoiding tasks that require long periods of walking or standing.
An example of a light duty clause
Here’s how a light duty clause might appear in an employee accommodation policy:
“In the event that an employee is temporarily unable to perform their regular job duties due to a medical condition or injury, the Company will offer light duty assignments, as available, to accommodate the employee’s recovery. Light duty tasks will be determined based on the employee’s physical limitations and will be provided for the duration of the recovery period as recommended by the employee’s healthcare provider.”
Conclusion
Light duty is a temporary adjustment to an employee’s regular duties that accommodates physical limitations due to injury, illness, or recovery. It allows employees to remain employed and productive while ensuring that they are not at risk of further injury. For businesses, light duty is a valuable tool to maintain operations and support the well-being of employees during their recovery. Understanding light duty options helps both employers and employees navigate workplace accommodations in a way that benefits both parties.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.