Helping your worker return to work

Helping during the return to work process

Returning to work after an injury is a team effort. Workers, employers, treating health practitioners, WorkSafe agents, return to work coordinators and workplace colleagues all play an important role in supporting a safe and successful recovery.

Getting back to work, even in a modified capacity, can help recovery and wellbeing. Starting the return to work process early, when it's safe to do so, can improve outcomes and help workers stay connected to their workplace.

Workers also have an important role to play. By staying engaged, participating in return to work planning and working with their employer and support team, they can help make their return to work a positive step in their recovery journey.

Your role as an employer

As an employer, you play a key role in in supporting your workers recovery and return to safe and sustainable work.

A worker doesn't need to fully recover before returning to work. In fact, returning to work can be an important part of recovery, helping workers stay connected to their workplace, maintain routine and build confidence as they recover.

With the right support, workers may be able to return to reduced hours, alternative duties or in a different role that matches their current capacity. These arrangements can help workers stay connected and maintain workplace connections, and return to meaningful work.

A workplace injury can affect what a workplace is able to do, both at work and in their daily life. By offering appropriate support and starting the return to work process early, you can help support recovery and return to work outcomes.

As an employer, you also have responsibilities under Workplace Injury, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013. Every worker’s journey is different, but staying connected, providing suitable duties and supporting gradual progress can help workers build confidence, maintain workplace connections, and return to meaningful work.

Supporting your worker’s recovery and return to work

Develop a return to work plan

With your worker's consent, work with their treating health practitioner to plan a safe and sustainable return to work.

Involve your WorkSafe agent and occupational rehabilitation provider, if one is supporting your worker, to help ensure everyone is working towards the same recovery goals.

Return to Work Planner

Appoint a Return to work Coordinator

If your worker is unable to work, appoint a Return to Work Coordinator to help guide the return to work process.

They play an important role in supporting your worker, coordinating the people involved and helping create the best possible return to work outcomes.