Making the most of cost centre allocation

Return to work in the pre-injury work area may not be possible in certain circumstances. Some organisations allocate the costs against the person's usual work area, but will cover the wage costs for another department to support return to work. This means that the usual work area has an incentive to encourage return to normal duties as soon as possible – and this is good for return to work outcomes.
 

A 56 year old foundry hand sustains a back problem prolapse. There are no suitable modified duties in the foundry. Modified duties are offered in another department, the packing area.
 
Costs of his claim are allocated to the foundry.
 
On return to modified work in the packing department his wage costs continue to be paid by the foundry.
 
The packing department encourages him to continue to come to work (his work is a bonus for their department) and the foundry area has a continued incentive for return to normal duties in the pre-injury work area, as well as preventing further similar injuries.