Suitable Duties is a common workers’ compensation insurance term often used in the context of workplace injury or illness management. Suitable duties are an important part of supporting a worker’s recovery & Return to Work (RTW). Depending on the worker’s situation, getting them back to their normal job role or duties after a work-related injury or illness might take some time. This doesn’t however mean they are unable to work though & the identification of appropriate Suitable Duties represents an important RTW process.
When a worker experiences an injury or illness that temporarily prevents them from performing their regular role responsibilities or job duties. Suitable Duties refer to alternative tasks or responsibilities that they can perform while they recover.
The concept of suitable duties is based on the idea of facilitating the employee’s gradual return to work, even if they are not fully capable of resuming their regular job functions. By offering suitable duties, employers aim to support the injured or ill employee’s recovery process, maintain productivity, and prevent a complete absence from work.
Suitable Duties may include tasks that are less physically demanding or have reduced cognitive requirements that accommodate the employee’s current injury, condition or illness. The specific duties available will depend on the employee’s capabilities, the nature of their injury or illness, and the work environment.
The use of Suitable Duties is part of a broader approach known as Return to Work (RTW) Programs that focus on promoting an early and safe return to the workplace for employees recovering from health-related issues. These programs benefit both the employer and the employee by minimising lost workdays, maintaining team cohesion, and supporting the employee’s physical and mental well-being during the recovery process.
Our team of RTW Coordinators, Injury Management Specialist, Rehabilitation Consultants & other allied health professionals, specialise in the identification of Suitable Duties. Contact us to discuss creating a Suitable Duties Register for your business.
For further information, please refer to:
Source: WorkSafe QLD
Title: Suitable Duties
Read Time: 5 minutes
Source: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Title: Suitable Work
Read Time: 5 minutes
Source: ReturntoWorkSA
Title: Suitable Duties
Read Time: 5 minutes