What does "light duty" mean in the context of a workers' compensation claim?

In the context of a workers' compensation claim, "light duty" refers to work that is less physically demanding than the employee's regular duties. This designation is important because it allows an injured worker to return to the workforce in a capacity that accommodates their current physical limitations. The aim of light duty work is to facilitate a smooth transition back to full employment while still promoting recovery and healing.

Light duty roles are designed to minimize the risk of exacerbating the injury, enabling workers to contribute to the workplace without engaging in activities that could lead to further harm. This arrangement can benefit both the employer and the employee, as it shows that the employer is committed to the worker's rehabilitation and helps the employee remain engaged with their work environment during recovery.

On the other hand, work that provides full salary may not align with the reduced capacity that often accompanies light duty assignments. Similarly, complete recovery would imply that the worker is not ready for any work activity, and performing work at home does not inherently relate to the definition of light duty as it pertains to modified duties in the workplace.