RTW Packages include the necessary documents and forms that an employee requires in order to apply for disability benefits when appropriate and to be cleared to Return to Work following an absence from work due to a disability. Managers are responsible for providing a RTW Package to an employee immediately upon learning of a workplace injury or that an employee will be absent from work due to an non-occupational illness or injury and will be applying for disability benefits (WIB or STD).
The RTW Packages include:
- Treating Physician Letter - A letter provided to the treating physician advising them of CP's Return To Work Program
- Two (2) Functional Abilities Forms (FAF) - A form provided to and completed by the treating physician that lists work limitations and/or restrictions of the employee to provide to the workplace. There are two FAFs, one for all Safety Sensitive/Non-Safety Sensitive employees and one for Safety-Critical employees (Running Trades, RTCs):
- Safety Sensitive/ Non-Safety Sensitive FAFs do not include any confidential medical information and are returned to the employee's Responsible Manager
- Safety-Critical FAFs includes the option to provide separate medical information/reports in accordance with Railway Medical Rules for Positions Critical to Safe Railway Operations and are sent directly to OHS
- Job Demand Analysis (JDA) - A document detailing all aspects of a particular job to determine the physical, cognitive, biological, chemical and environmental requirements of each job. By identifying the demands of the job, treating health care providers and the Company can plan an appropriate return to work strategy
- RTW Pamphlet – Outlines the employee's responsibility in the RTW Process
- Application forms for Weekly Indemnity Benefit (union employees) or Short Term Disability (non-union employees) – ONLY provided when the illness or injury is not work related
Employees should be advised to take all documents to their doctor and return the FAF within 72 hours.