News release

CSA Group is pleased to announce a new addition to its Z45001/Z1000 suite of OHS management standards – CSA Z1011:20, Work disability management system. This important new document is the first National Standard on the subject of occupational disability management. It is designed to help organizations to effectively manage disability in the workplace, and to develop a Work Disability Management (WDM) System, or to improve an existing WDM System. The continual improvement cycle of this standard is comprised of four modules, commonly known as: Plan – Do – Check – Act. The cycle is undertaken on a periodic basis, with new management system targets being identified, implemented, evaluated, and assessed each cycle, following the successful achievement of previously set targets. Ultimately, a well-functioning WDM System will ensure effective management of workers’ health and other accommodation needs over the employment lifecycle that might otherwise compromise their work engagement and an organization’s productivity. It should be noted, however, that CSA Z1011 is not a standard on medical rehabilitation or claims management.

CSA Z1011 features:

1. Integration with CSA Group standards on Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (Z45001), Workplace Ergonomics (Z412, Z1004), Psychological Health & Safety (Z1003, Z1003.), Hearing Loss Prevention (Z94.2, Z1007), and Prevention of Workplace Impairment (Z1008)
2. Provides a business case for the establishment of a WDM System
3. Intended for use by organizations of all sizes and all occupational sectors
4. Scope includes:​
       a. needs assessment and development of a WDM System
       b. assignment of key WDM responsibilities (both internal and external) - positions
           WDM as a joint responsibility of management, workers, and worker
           representatives
       c. full employment trajectory for hiring, on-boarding, and work accommodation for
           people with disabilities
       d. evaluation of long-term health and well-being needs of workers
5. Advocates
       a. an evidence-informed, data-driven approach to WDM System development
       b. inclusion and accessibility to promote engagement and belonging
       c. a biopsychosocial (holistic) approach to WDM
6. Takes a “worker-centred, supportive approach” for handling each disability case
7. Promotes planning for work accommodation and timely return to work
8. Addresses stay-at-work disability management
9. Promotes case management principles
10. Recognizes needs for tailored program depending on available internal and external expertise
11. Respects Federal, Provincial, and Territorial legislation (regulations)
12. Respects Privacy legislation (medical confidentiality) and Human Rights codes
13. Provides guidance on contracting of external experts as part of a WDM System
14. Offers guidance on interface between medical professionals, organization management, and benefits providers
15. Defines terms commonly used in a WDM System
16. Specifies requirements for monitoring, evaluation, and continual improvement of a WDM System (e.g., period reviews, audits, and updates)
17. Provides a number of example case studies
18. Based on resource materials from the Canadian Society of Professionals in Disability Management (CSPDM), National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), National Case Management Network (NCMN), and International Labour Organization (ILO)

Please submit any comments or questions about CSA Z1011:20 to the CSA Group Standards Project Manager, Lina Lopez, at lina.lopez@csagroup.org.