1. Getting back in the saddle
A guide to understanding the ins and outs of workers compensation and encouraging return to work

2. Defining workers comp
An insurance policy that is compulsory for most employers
Covers medical expenses for sickness and injuries that occur in course of work

3. Background
The longer a worker is absent from work, the less likely they are to return.
Time off work
Probability of RTW within 3 months
3 months
50%
6 months
40%
9 months
33%
One year
25%
Two years
12%
Three years 6%
Four years 4%

4. Key terms and concepts
Certificate of Capacity: Used by insurer to help understand your capacity for work and the payments you are entitled to Provisional liability: allows employer to pay weekly benefits and medical expenses for up to 12 weeks without admitting or incurring liability Uninsured employers: if you employer is uninsured you can still make a claim Time limit: Claims should be generally be made within six months of injury or illness

5. Making a claim Notify employer immediately if injury or illness occurs
If time off work is required see a doctor and have them complete a WorkCover certificate of capacity
Provide certificate to employer
Cooperate with injury management plan and consult with employer’s insurer
Make all reasonable efforts to return to work as soon as possible

6. Return to work (RTW) Most recover from an injury without intervention
Acute phase
14 to 30 days no work capacity
Clinical/occupational management
Sub-acute phase
30 to 90 days no work capacity
Assess risk and workplace rehabilitation
Chronic phase
90 days plus no work capacity
Intensive rehabilitation

7. Psychological injuries
Promote Stay at Work with Doctor – time off is not necessary or usual
Seek specialist intervention in complex cases
Aim to control treatment providers

8. Encouraging RTW Support and empowerment
Provide reassurance and encouragement to resume normal activities
Be empathetic
Communicate and educate about health benefits of work
Set expectations around RTW process
Empower to take responsibility

9. Best practice
Integrate the best available evidence with practitioner expertise and characteristics, state, needs, values and preferences of those who will be affected.

10. Best practice treatment
Goal oriented
Evidence based
Clinically justified
Most efficient
Facilitates progress

11. Workplace rehabilitation providers (WRP)
Provide individualised, strategic and creative interventions
Recognise distinction between diagnosis and work capacity
Promote a win-win outcome
Focus on benefits of good work
Look at cost-benefit for all proposed solutions

12. WRP services
Assess claims for ‘Yellow Flags’ Apply ‘SMART’ for complex claims
Conduct case conferences and promote the bio-psychosocial model with doctors
Develop, review and update RTW Programs
Offer proactive job seeking
Monitor the efficacy of treatment
Oversee compliance

13. Promoting RTW Encourage self-management
Pay attention to psychological and social issues
Avoid inconsistency in treatment of employees
Involve rehabilitation providers as soon as possible