Return To Work Plans

What is a return to work plan?
The return to work plan is a written action plan to maintain injured workers at work or return them to work after injury. It details:

1) The treatment plan which will be used to support the injured worker’s recovery and the assistance the employer will provide to the injured worker to return them to work, as well as who will provide the assistance

2) The plan may also contain an offer of suitable employment.

The return to work co-ordinator will need to work closely with the injured worker, their supervisor and other interested parties to ensure that the plan is specific and meaningful to the injured worker. The goals of the return to work plan must also be developed in consultation with, and endorsed by the injured worker and treating health professional.

The plan should include the following as a minimum:

The full employer details (name, address and phone number
The details of the injured worker (name address and phone number)
The injured worker’s medical restrictions (this should be obtained from contact with the treating health professional, the worker and the certificates of capacity)
Estimate of the date the worker will be fit to return to work (this can also act as a review date for your plan if the injured worker does not return at this date)
An Offer of Suitable Employment (if appropriate)
Steps taken to facilitate the worker’s return to work
Specifications of Occupational Rehabilitation necessary for return to work

Further Information

Preparing the return to work plan

Step	Action	Description
1	Gather information	contact the injured worker contact the injured worker's treating health professional, this is a key person who can provide details about the worker’s capacity for work and the medical restrictions that impact on identifying suitable duties contact relevant workplace parties contact the Authorised Agent determine if the injured worker needs occupational rehabilitation services
2	Determine the return to work goal	decide on a plan for returning the injured worker to work involve the injured worker in any discussions and take into account any medical advice and the advice of the approved occupational rehabilitation provider, if there is one goals may be set in stages, and change periodically depending on the stage of recovery goals may initially involve the modification of an injured worker’s pre-injury duties and hours to encourage return to work. goals should work to challenge the worker in a safe and constructive manner focus on tasks appropriate to the injured worker’s capacity
3	Document the plan	document the overall return to work plan where the injured worker has a capacity to work and suitable duties are available, document the offer of suitable employment
4	Implement the plan	prior to the injured worker's return, ensure workplace is prepared and appropriate supervision is available make any required changes to the workplace before the injured worker returns compare the injured worker's certificate of capacity (from their treating health professional) with the return to work plan review the plan's contents with the injured worker when they return to work
5	Monitor the plan	If the injured worker returns to work keep in touch with the injured worker and their supervisor (e.g. weekly review meetings) be flexible to any changes that need to be made and offer suitable employment along the way ensure any changes are in line with medical advice If return to work is delayed keep in touch with the injured worker and their treating health professional maintain contact with your Authorised Agent and give them copies of the return to work plan
6	Review the plan	ensure the plan remains relevant - review it informally on a weekly basis review the plan following the injured worker's visit to their treating health professional

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