New software aims to aid return to work from disability

Crawford and Co. Canada Inc. is adding a new software platform, designed to help employees return to work sooner, to its human risk service line. 

The software, called EmployerWorks, aims to streamline and standardize the collection, communication and analysis of “physical, cognitive and psychosocial demands tied to risk assessment and return to work efforts,” according to a press release.

“Specializing in occupational (workers’ compensation) and non-occupational (leave and disability) claims from a claim and case management perspective, our human risk division strives to identify and implement new, effective methods to manage such claims ensuring a safe, timely and sustainable return to work,” said Heather Matthews, senior vice-president of Crawford Human Risk, in the release. “Crawford EmployerWorks serves to simplify and enhance our communication capabilities with clients, reduce claim costs and increase success rates tied to sustainable return to work solutions.”

Read: Options for supporting employees in the return to work

The software uses a database to identify job demands that are seen most often in specific positions, ties in risk factors and maps out a return-to-work plan. It also has tools to highlight barriers preventing return to work.

The software platform is powered by Burlington, Ont.-based health-care data analytics company MyAbilities.

“We believe that everyone — employees, employers, health practitioners and insurance companies — will benefit from better prevention, injury management and return-to-work solutions through advanced ergonomics, artificial intelligence and digital risk assessment technology,” said Reed Hanoun, chief executive officer of MyAbilities.

Read: Best practices for return-to-work committees