Return to work
Return to work refers to assisting injured workers in staying at or getting back to work. The aim of the return to work and rehabilitation provisions in legislation is to assist workers in returning to work in a safe, durable and timely manner. Table 6.1 outlines the relevant sections of workers’ compensation legislation and guidance material relating to return to work in each jurisdiction.
A successful return to work is usually the result of 4 main factors: early intervention, an effective workplace-based rehabilitation program, effective claims management and cooperation, collaboration and consultation between stakeholders.
The return to work process involves the injured worker and their employer. Depending on the legislation in each jurisdiction and the injury’s severity, it may also involve workplace rehabilitation coordinators, workplace rehabilitation providers, medical and other health professionals, and the insurer.
Employers’ responsibilities
Tables 6.2a – 6.2d outline the employers’ responsibilities in relation to return to work and rehabilitation programs and policies, developing a worker’s return to work plan, providing suitable duties to injured workers and other jurisdictional requirements.
Workers’ responsibilities
Table 6.3 outlines the injured workers’ responsibilities in their return to work/injury management plan.
Prescribed time period to establish a return to work/injury management plan
Table 6.4 outlines the 3-point contact and the return to work plan development as specified by legislation in various jurisdictions.
Injured worker placement incentive schemes
Some workers’ compensation authorities operate injured worker placement incentive schemes to encourage employers to employ workers who have had an injury and are not able to return to work with their pre-injury employer. Table 6.5 outlines the various schemes in jurisdictions.
Workers’ compensation authorities/Insurers’ responsibilities
Table 6.6 outlines the responsibilities of authorities and insurers in relation to return to work and injury management plans.