Return To Work Planning
Following an injury, the return to work process should commence as soon as possible. An employer is responsible for conducting an analysis of the type and level of support required by an injured worker and maintaining regular communication during all stages of the recovery.
The return to work planning phase can be done by examining information and setting realistic, progressive goals in consultation with the injured worker and their Treating Health Professional.
The employer needs to be committed to:
- Identifying duties that match a worker’s capacity
- Providing the necessary physical and emotional support
- The ultimate goal of a worker returning to pre-injury duties and
hours where possible
The worker needs to be committed to:
- Recovery from their injury
- Participating in their treatment
- Working within the boundaries of their return to work plan and
current capacity - Participating in occupational rehabilitation services (where approved)
The return to work process is summarised in the diagram below.
Further information:
• Introducing WorkCover, A Guide for Employers
• Introducing WorkCover, A Guide for Injured Workers
• Returning to work, A guide for injured workers
• Return to work plan
• Return to work plan - Case study
• Return to work plan/OSE example template
• Suitable employment for injured workers - A step by step guide to identifying suitable duties
