Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Individual Employment Rights
ISSN
1055-7512 (print) 1541-3799 (electronic)
Volume
3
Issue
1
Date
1/1/1994

Article Facts

Title
Compliance with ADA Can Help Employees While Reducing Workers' Compensation Costs
DOI
10.2190/E9YW-YVVH-4PEK-K2A8
Author
James G. Frierson
Pages
1-15
Online Date
05/09/2002

Article Links

Compliance with ADA Can Help Employees While Reducing Workers' Compensation Costs

James G. Frierson

DOI: 10.2190/E9YW-YVVH-4PEK-K2A8

Abstract

Contrary to popular opinion, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can lower employers' workers' compensation costs, while benefiting employees by a rapid return to work after workers' compensation claims. The ADA and state workers' compensation laws are complementary, with few, if any, major conflicts. Implementation of ADA concepts concerning reasonable accommodations and adjustments for disabled employees will reduce workers' compensation costs by reducing the amount of lost time for injuries or sickness. Good return-to-work programs following the concepts of the ADA also benefit employees by returning them to paid work and reducing the chance that a temporary medical problem will cause a more permanent psychological impairment. This article outlines relevant ADA provisions, examples of company cost savings, and the steps that should be followed in establishing an effective, legal workers' compensation cost-reduction program.

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