SIRA has announced a new plan to improve return?to?work performance in the NSW workers’ compensation scheme. Return to work rates have progressively declined since 2015, with the number of workers unfit for work increasing exponentially.
In 2015, upwards of 90% of injured workers were back at work within 13 weeks from the injury date. Today, less 80% of injured workers have returned to work in 13 weeks.
SIRA Chief Executive Adam Dent said the agency is committed to 10 actions to boost return?to?work outcomes and hold insurers and employers accountable.
- SIRA ordered all workers’ compensation insurers to resubmit plans to improve 4?week return?to?work outcomes by 28 February 2022.
- SIRA will review all insurers’ return to work practices in the first half of 2022.
- SIRA is introducing a return to work and early intervention Standard of Practice. SIRA is publicly consulting on the standard until 28 February 2022.
- SIRA will commence publishing the return to work performance of all insurers in 2022.
- SIRA is committed to improving transparency in the scheme by holding insurers accountable for their performance.
- SIRA is establishing a dedicated return to work inspectorate.
- SIRA is funding a 2?year Black Dog Institute fellowship focused on return?to?work for people with psychological injury.
- SIRA has expanded its review of TMF agencies to audit return?to?work performance.
- SIRA will use predictive modelling to identify employers at higher risk of delayed return?to?work.
- SIRA is trialling its successful CTP Assist program in the workers compensation scheme for 12 months.
- SIRA has partnered with ARPA to explore how workplace rehabilitation providers improve return?to?work outcomes.
For more details on the SIRA’s return to work action plan please visit the SIRA website.
Source: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Title: Turning around poor return to work performance
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