Return to work
A major focus of the WorkCover Scheme is rehabilitation and return to work. Employers who provide suitable employment (sometimes called 'light duties' or 'alternative duties') play a pivotal role in enabling injured workers to resume productive working lives.
Aside from the legislative obligation on employers and workers to identify suitable employment, a continuing link with the workplace has been identified as a key factor in substantially improving the speed and likelihood of full recovery from an injury or illness.
The benefits of returning to work include:
- maintaining the skills and contribution of experienced or highly trained workers who know your organisation and contribute to your competitive edge
- maintaining the salary level of the injured worker
- maintaining the motivation of the injured worker and focusing them on recovery
- demonstrating a commitment to your workforce and sending a message that recovery and rehabilitation of injured workers is important and desirable.
Claims management role
If you have an injured worker who is ready to return to work you will be contacted by a claims manager from Employers Mutual to discuss suitable employment in the workplace. This can take place on a full-time or part-time basis, with the worker undertaking pre-injury or alternative employment, depending on the medical assessment of their capabilities.
Communication
A rehabilitation and return to work program involves commitment from both the employer and the injured worker. Everyone needs to be supportive and there needs to be good communication between the treating doctor, the injured worker, other workers, supervisors and managers, the rehabilitation provider, and the claims agent.
There are examples of remarkable recoveries from traumatic, or even life threatening injuries where all parties work together. John Elliott (manager) and Mark Humphreys (worker) from Boral Plasterboard agree that communication is the key to assist an injured worker to return to work. See their return to work story
Obligations on employers and workers
Under the Act workers and employers have responsibilities to assist the return to work process.
Injured workers are obliged to accept and undertake suitable employment offered by their employer, and for which they have been certified medically fit by their doctor. If a worker resigns, refuses to work, or demonstrates an unwillingness to work, they risk losing their income maintenance (WorkCover payment).
Likewise employers are obliged to provide suitable employment. If an employer fails to cooperate with the implementation of a rehabilitation program, or fails to provide suitable employment, they risk being charged a supplementary levy by WorkCover.
For more information view the Employer FAQs on this subject, contact us to make an enquiry or phone our Service Centre on 13 18 55 for advice.