New benefits to assist the return to work of NSW injured workers took affect on the 29th of April 2016. These changes include workplace modifications, the transition to work equipment and training programs.
In light of these changes there is increased fluidity and interaction with SIRA vocational rehabilitation programs. SIRA currently has 6 vocational education programs that are administered under Section 53 of the Act of 1988.
Return to Work Changes – SIRA currently has 6 vocational education programs that are administered under section 53 of the workplace injury management and workers compensation Act of 1988. These include:
- Return to work assist for micro employers
- Work trial
- Training
- Equipment and workplace modifications
- Job Cover placement programs
- Transition to work
All vocational programs are funded directly through the Workers compensation operational fund therefore they are NOT a claims cost in which the pre-injury employer are liable for. By providing this funding to overcome barriers in return to work, it assists in reducing the risk of long term work loss and disability and helps secure durable employment and safe return to work.
Transition to work
This reform helps reduce barriers to job seeking or accepting an offer of employment. Workers no longer need to have received weekly payments for 26 weeks to be eligible. In addition the worker is now eligible for the program in any type of employment (e.g. casual, self-employed) although the employment period must be for three months or more.
New employment assistance benefit provides up to $1000 to assist the worker with the costs of returning to work with a new employer. This can include clothing, equipment, transportation and childcare costs. This interacts with SIRA when the costs exceed the maximum of $1000 in spending, from hereon in, SIRA transition to work programs can be used in conjunction with the new employment assistance.
Equipment and workplace modifications
This program provides funding for equipment or any workplace modifications to assist the worker to remain at work with their pre-injury employer or to commence work with a new employer. When already having exhausted the entitlement to the new employment assistance ($1000) the rehab provider develops an application under the SIRA equipment and workplace modification program for the total amount and submitted to the insurer for approval.
Training
This benefit provides funding to assist a worker develop new skills and/or obtain qualifications to remain at work with their pre-injury employer or commence work with a new employer. Changes to this program includes removing the requirement of a medical condition to be ‘relatively stable’ as this was causing unnecessary delays in approval longer required the injured work to obtain agreement by the nominated treating doctor. This new benefit provides up to $8000 for education or training for eligible workers. This can be used to cover course fees for registered training organisations and higher education providers, as well as textbooks and stationary and essential course equipment and travel expenses. Where the worker has an entitlement to the new benefit, the benefit must be exhausted before claiming under the SIRA training program. SIRA can also be used when the worker in not eligible for the benefit. They may not meet the eligibility criteria for a number of reasons including not having 20% impairment of with injury or if the insurer disputes liability