Recovery and return to work plan

After a workplace injury, getting back to work and a daily structure has a significant impact to the recovery and health and wellbeing of a person.

If you are likely to be away from work for more than four weeks, your mobile claims manager or return to work coordinator will work with you and your employer to develop a recovery and return to work plan that will be ongoing until you reach your recovery and return to work goal.

The recovery and return to work plan helps you to put in place the treatment, services and support you need to reach your goal.

Click on the image below to download a copy of the plan. The plan can be completed electronically or printed.

Graduated return to work schedule

If you are not able to return straight to your pre-injury duties following your workplace injury, you may need to return over a gradual period of time.

This is when a graduated return to work schedule can be created.

A graduated return to work schedule allows you to return to work on reduced hours or duties when you are not able to return to your full pre-injury hours or duties initially. It will all depend on what options your pre-injury employer is able to provide. If duties are not clear and you need some more support to identify some, talk to your claims manager.

Important: All graduated return to work schedules must be signed off by a doctor.

A graduated return to work schedule should include:

  • clearly defined goals and objectives
  • a well-structured and documented program outlining the specific duties and hours of work, and how and when it is proposed these should be upgraded
  • exercise and rest breaks may be part of any program developed
  • the actions that each party is responsible for.

Who can create a graduated return to work schedule?

  • Your claims manager
  • Your treating doctor
  • An occupational therapist
  • A physiotherapist

Tip: To get the most value out of a schedule, it is a good idea to consult with the treating doctor as they are responsible for approving the schedule.