A study of the allocation of temporary alternative work (TAW) duties for rehabilitating employees after illness or injury is described. This was conducted in the occupational health department of a large industrial chemical works with several thousand employees in a wide variety of occupations. Work related accidents accounted for 32 per cent of episodes. Musculoskeletal conditions formed the largest cause of illness and injury, especially in young employees in engineering and craft occupations. Fifty-nine per cent of TAW duties were of less than 1 month duration with 7 per cent of TAW duties lasting longer than 6 months. The workforce annual prevalence of 5-5 per cent was comparable to certified sickness rates. It is concluded that it is practical to rehabilitate ill employees in a wide range of occupations within the context of their normal workplace by a supervised system of TAW duties.