Return to Work After Injury

The Return to Work (RTW) process following a workplace injury can often be daunting for everyone involved. So what can be done to help minimise risks and make this process as smooth as possible?

Employers often worry about managing injured workers correctly, while employees fear re-injury or letting their employer down. These concerns can be reduced by discussing and agreeing on suitable duties before the worker’s return.

A safe, timely return to work helps injured employees feel supported and reduces mental and physical strain. Employers also benefit from less time lost and lower workers’ compensation premiums

A qualified rehab provider, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, or counsellor, typically manages the return to work process with a safe, sustainable plan for the injured employee

While rehab consultants have the skills, employers should also define suitable duties to support injured workers’ RTW. Large businesses often maintain a ‘suitable duties register’ to guide doctors when a rehab provider is not yet assigned.

The ideal return to work scenario is achieved by:

Quick notification of incident
Claim lodgement promptly follows
Rehabilitation Provider occurs to conduct workplace assessment and identifies of appropriate RTW Plan
Employers provide supportive workplaces
Good communication between worker, employer and relevant parties for the collaboration and facilitation of a sustainable return to work

Tips to know when things are going wrong