Employer Return-to-Work Programs

• Introduction
• What to include in your program
• Consultation
• Inform workers, contractors and visitors
• Review
• Templates & References
   

Introduction

The only way to effectively manage workplace injuries and workers compensation claims is to have a plan in place which spells out how the injury will be managed, and which can just be kick started if an injury does happen. All employers in NSW must develop a Return-to-Work (RTW) Program, in readiness for a work-related injury or illness.

What to include in your program

WorkCover NSW specifies six areas that must be included:

1. Prevention of occupational injuries and illness
2. Developing and implementing the RTW Program
3. Consultation with workers and, where applicable, their union
4. Early commencement of injury management and early return to work
5. Provision of suitable duties
6. Returning to work does not disadvantage injured workers

If your organisation pays more than $50,000 per year in workers compensation premium you need to customise your RTW Program.

Consultation

There are two key parties that you need to consult about the content of your RTW Program.

First, you need to work with the worker representatives to develop an agreed RTW Program. Fellow workers may need to be assured that the return to work of injured workers before they are fully fit is in everyone's best interest and that they will not be disadvantaged by the injured worker's return.

Second, you need to consult your insurance company to make sure that your RTW Program is consistent with the insurance company's Injury Management Program. This is the set of policies and procedures that the insurance company develops and their insured organisations must follow. Your insurance company's Injury Management Program may require you to include specific policies and procedures in your RTW Program.

Inform workers, contractors and visitors

It is essential that all your workers know about the RTW Program and that they expect it to swing into action if they are injured. Other people who come onto your site also need to know what to do in the event of an injury.

There are a number of easy ways to ensure that your workers, contractors and visitors to the site are made aware of your policies and procedures regarding injury.

1. Signs - display the WorkCover poster "Watching out for you" and your RTW Program in an area that all workers can easily access, such as a noticeboard in the staff room.
2. Induction - include the RTW Program in your induction program.
3. Written information for workers - WorkCover NSW produces various brochures for workers and employers about the workers compensation system and early return to work. When a worker is injured, giving them some written information to keep reminds them of the assistance available. Hand out your RTW Program to any injured workers.
4. Training - work out a training program to cover both existing workers and new ones. Don't forget to train the supervisors - their cooperation in reinforcing the first aid procedures, undertaking accident investigations and encouraging the injured worker to return to work is critical.

Review

The effectiveness and continuing acceptability of your RTW Program should be reviewed at least every two years. New signatures may be required if management or worker representatives have changed.

Templates & References

Example Employer Return-to-Work Program

WorkCover NSW: Guidelines for employer Return to Work Programs

WorkCover NSW: Standard Return to Work Program

WorkCover NSW; Injury Management and Return to Work Fact Sheet