Light Duty Work Program
Program Overview
The Light Duty Program at BGSU is designed to assist employees with staying at or returning to work. Light duty, if available, extends only for the time specified by the employee’s treating physician. This program is temporary and available as medical necessary. The program requires the collaboration between the University, the employee and their health care provider(s).
Applicability
This program applies to classified staff, administrative staff and faculty members with temporary work restrictions due to injury or illness. This includes employees with work-related and nonwork-related injuries and illnesses, and to pregnant workers. A case-by-case analysis will be conducted to determine eligibility.
- To determine eligibility, the employee must submit the work restrictions to the Office of Human Resources from their attending health care provider using the Return to Work Form.
- Upon receipt, an HR staff member will contact the employee’s department head to share the work restrictions and review the employee’s current position, job duties, and physical requirements (if any).
- An HR staff member will coordinate with the employee’s department head, or designee, to determine if light duty is available. Thereafter, the HR staff member will notify the employee of the light duty determination.
- If an opportunity is available for the employee to work with the designated restrictions, the department will meet with the employee to review the restrictions, the duties/work assignment and to sign the agreement. The signed agreement is submitted to the Office of Human Resources for signature and retention.
- If light duty is not available to the employee, an HR staff member will notify the employee.
Work Expectations While on Light Duty
If an employee is approved for light duty work through this program, the same standards of accountability for the performance and conduct apply. Under no such circumstance should an employee work outside their prescribed restrictions until cleared to do so by their treating physician. Failure to abide by the restrictions imposed by the treating physician may end the light duty arrangement and may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with university policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Returning to Work – Full Duty
Employees seeking to return to work with no restrictions must submit an updated Return to Work Form to the Office of Human Resources at least two business days prior to the full duty return date. The Office of Human Resources will notify the employee’s department head or designee of the employee’s full duty return date.
If an employee needs accommodations due to a disability, a request should be made through the Office of Accessibility Services.
Updated: 03/17/2026 12:52PM