Developing a return to work system

Why develop a return to work system? Employer most influential stakeholder in return to work Minimise potential for poor outcomes (AFOM Study) Effective management = lower costs Improve morale and commitment of your people Insert your company details and logo here

Key stages in return to work Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 1 – Return to work culture Visible commitment from CEO and management: Policy and procedures Responsibility for return to work performance Ongoing education and awareness Return to work is a normal practice Early reporting of injuries Prevention of further injury or re-injury Benefits of building a return to work culture Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 2 - Immediately after the injury How you act in the first few hours is crucial Avoid blaming the worker You need objective evidence to dispute a claim Take steps to prevent the same injury to others and let the worker know you have done so Start thinking about suitable duties Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 3 – The injury recovery stage Time away from work while the workers injury heals Effective management at this stage is important to prevent feelings of isolation Regular, non-intrusive contact with the worker is crucial A physically and mentally challenging time for the worker A time to identify potential barriers to return to work Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 4 – Return to work planning Take a leadership role – start planning early Include the worker and their co-workers Have a written plan Provide copies of plans to all parties Regularly monitor the workers progress Regular suitable duties plan reviews essential Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 5 – Actual return to work Assess worker support needs for return to work Recap goals and suitable duties plan Meet the worker on the first day - monitor Review/revise goals if necessary Encourage/praise progress, monitor pain levels Keep WorkCover informed Insert your company details and logo here

Stage 6 – Improvement planning Take action to improve the process What worked? What was difficult? Update policies and procedures Can I benchmark my RTW performance? statistics? Self assessment checklist Improvement action plan Insert your company details and logo here

Useful contacts Claim information and support: WorkCover Queensland phone WorkCover website Education and advisory services: Q-COMP phone Q-COMP website Division of Workplace Health and Safety: phone website Insert your company details and logo here