Returning to work after injury

Safe, individualised planning

Return-to-work planning starts with the worker's current capacity, as documented by a treating practitioner. The plan should change as capacity changes. Returning too early or to unsuitable duties can delay recovery.

Who is involved

• The worker, who is central to decisions about their own recovery and work.
• The employer, who is responsible for providing suitable duties where reasonable.
• The treating practitioner, who provides certificates of capacity and clinical advice.
• The insurer or claims manager, who manages the claim and approves entitlements.
• A workplace rehabilitation provider, who may coordinate planning when needed.

Suitable duties, adjustments and graduated plans

Suitable duties are tasks the worker can safely perform within their current capacity. Reasonable adjustments may include modified hours, changes to tasks, equipment or work environment. A graduated return-to-work plan describes the duties, hours and review points over a defined period.

Documents you may encounter

• Claim details from the insurer or scheme.
• Certificates of capacity from the treating practitioner.
• Treatment information from allied health providers.
• A written return-to-work plan signed by the parties involved.

Jurisdictions and schemes

Workers compensation and rehabilitation responsibilities are set by legislation that differs across each state and territory and the Commonwealth Comcare scheme. The detail of timelines, dispute resolution and provider approval will depend on the scheme that covers your work.

When additional support may help

If a return is complex, delayed or stalled, a workplace rehabilitation provider can help coordinate planning between the worker, employer, treating team and insurer. Support should never imply that someone must return before it is medically appropriate.