Developing a return to work plan
Safe Work Australia
This guide provides practical advice for anyone responsible for developing a return to work plan in collaboration with the injured or ill worker. This will depend on your business and where it is located.
You may be:
• a supervisor or manager in a small business
• the person in charge of HR or administration, or
• a return to work coordinator.
If you have not developed a return to work plan before, follow the suggestions in this guide and fill out the plan template.
If you have more experience, this guide may improve your understanding with best practice advice on supporting a worker’s return to work and psychological health.
Even if you aren’t the person responsible for creating a return to work plan, this guide can help you understand the process and what support a worker may need to successfully return to work. It is important that supervisors and managers stay connected with the worker and support return to work planning. Where an employer has a return to work coordinator or a workplace rehabilitation provider, many of the responsibilities outlined in this guide may sit with them.
Contents:
Why Should You Use This Guide?
Who Is This Guide For?
How Should You Use This Guide?
Return To Work Timeline
Overview
Stage 1: Prepare
Reach Out To The Injured Or Ill Worker
Talk About Planning Their Return To Work
Contact Key Stakeholders And Gather Required Information
Who Are The Key Stakeholders In Return To Work Planning?
Stage 2: Draft The Plan
Lead A Planning Discussion
How Do I Help The Plan Be Successful?
Stage 3: Implement And Review
Begin Preparing For Their Return To Work
Review Progress And Update As Required
Complete The Plan And Evaluate Outcomes
Template: Return To Work Plan
Injury/Illness And Treatment Details
Set Return To Work Goals
Identify Suitable Duties
Identify Workplace Adjustments
Further Actions To Support Return To Work
Finalise
