Within Health Care Risk Management frameworks endorsed by ASHRM and the American Hospital Association Certification Center, early return-to-work programs are recognized as one of the most effective strategies for controlling workers' compensation costs. These programs facilitate the safe and timely return of injured employees to modified or transitional duty consistent with medical restrictions.

Workers’ compensation costs are significantly influenced by wage replacement benefits and duration of disability. By reducing the length of time an employee remains off work, early return-to-work initiatives directly decrease indemnity payments, lower claim severity, and improve overall claim outcomes. Additionally, such programs support employee morale, maintain productivity, and reduce the likelihood of prolonged disability or litigation.

While comprehensive safety analyses contribute to injury prevention and long-term risk reduction, their direct cost impact is preventive rather than immediately measurable in claim severity. Employee assistance programs focus primarily on behavioral health and personal support, not claim cost containment. Disciplinary actions do not constitute a structured risk financing strategy and may negatively affect organizational culture.

Therefore, from a risk financing perspective, early return-to-work programs have demonstrated measurable effectiveness in reducing workers' compensation program costs.