Workplace injuries can lead to absence from the workplace and in cases where chronic illness has developed it can be long term absences. Injury prevention and early intervention programs can often prevent a worker from becoming injured and will improve staff morale by demonstrating your organisation is one that is supportive.
If an injury has occurred, employers must ensure that the injured worker is supported and that they are given assistance to either remain at or return to safe and sustainable work. Returning to work as soon as possible benefits both the employer and worker. A return to work coordinator can assist in this process.
A return to work coordinator is an employee nominated by an employer or a contractor engaged for the role, who is there to assist the injured worker. All employers have legal obligations including the need to appoint a return to work coordinator for premiums or wages over a certain thresholds, this varies depending on which jurisdiction you are operating out of.
A skilled and experienced return to work coordinator will help your organisation to:
- assist injured workers to remain at or return to work as quickly as possible;
- identify suitable duties and develop a return to work plan;
- develop and implement a return to work program;
- educate all levels of an organisation about the return to work process including early intervention strategies;
- liaise with the injured worker and treating practitioners to ensure the best possible outcomes; and
- be proactive through injury prevention and early intervention programs.