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Occupational Rehabilitation 1 (OR 1)
Occupational Rehabilitation 1 (OR1) is a structured, active rehabilitation program focused on return to work through physical and functional conditioning, education, and supported return-to-the workplace. The program is offered by physiotherapists, and treatment services may be provided at a rehabilitation clinic and/or at the work site.
Description of services
Admission criteria
Length of service
Service locations
Referral process
Bulletins
Inquiries
Description of services
All workers undergo a full evaluation before a customized program is developed. Treatment may include:
- Individualized treatment to address the specific needs of the worker
- Activities to promote flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning
- Real or simulated work activities
- Education focussed on soft tissue healing, the value of exercise and proper posture and body mechanics
- Return to work planning and support, which may include a job site visit when approved by the WorkSafeBC officer
Admission criteria
The program is designed for workers who meet the following criteria:
- Are at least three weeks post-injury
- Have a soft-tissue injury, resolved surgery or a healed fracture
- Have no medical contraindications to an activity-based program, and
- Are expected to benefit from exercises to improve strength, endurance and mobility.
The program is not appropriate for the worker who:
- Meets or exceeds the physical requirements of their job and is considered fit to return to work
- Requires only return to work support services
- Presents with a medical condition that would put the worker at undue risk of harm
- Is unlikely to benefit due to barriers beyond the scope of the program to resolve
- Is currently engaged in another treatment intervention for the same injury
- Has been diagnosed with an Activity-related Soft Tissue Disorder (ASTD) or
- Has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Length of service
Workers typically attend the program four hours per day, five days per week for a maximum of 30 consecutive business days. This may include any combination of treatment at a rehabilitation clinic and the work site. There maybe exceptions to attendance requirements based on the individual's needs.
Service locations
OR 1 is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C.
Referral process
Workers are referred to the program by a WorkSafeBC officer. Attending
physicians can refer to the program by communicating this to the WorkSafeBC
officer verbally or through a Form 11.
Bulletins
- March 19, 2013 (PDF 102kb)
- January 7, 2013 - BC Family Day (PDF 65kb)
- November 16, 2012 (PDF 65kb)
- November 15, 2012 (PDF 73kb)
- November 14, 2012 (PDF 93kb)
- October 4, 2012 (PDF 96kb)
- June 14, 2012 (PDF 70kb)
- April 30, 2012 (PDF 224kb)
- February 28, 2012 (PDF 104kb)
- February 13, 2012 (PDF 130kb)
- February 3, 2012 (PDF 156kb)
- November 17, 2011 (PDF 84kb)
- October 26, 2011 (PDF 66kb)
- October 12, 2011 (PDF 105kb)
- July 27, 2011 (PDF 92kb)
- July 19, 2011 (PDF 70kb)
- May 24, 2011 (PDF 33kb)
- January 19, 2011 (PDF 149kb)
- September 20, 2010 (PDF 153kb)
- July 23, 2010 (PDF 42kb)
- March 2, 2010 (PDF 33kb)
- February 19, 2010 (PDF 23kb)
- January 21, 2010 (PDF 26kb)
- January 12, 2010 (PDF 35kb)
- December 8, 2009 (PDF 32kb)
- October 26, 2009 (PDF 41kb)
- September 29, 2009 (PDF 43kb)
- February 20, 2009 (PDF 27kb)
Inquiries
Please call health care services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404. Or visit the OR 1 contact details page for further information.