You have one free articles for this month. Sign up for a CCIWA Membership for unlimited access.

What’s in a return-to-work plan?

By CCIWA Editor

CCIWA's experts outline key considerations in building a return-to-work plan, share an editable plan template including a hypothetical case study, and unpack the key considerations behind building your own.

A clear plan is essential for an employee's early, safe return-to-work following an injury, which can be good for your business as well as the individual, providing them with structure, routine and a sense of purpose and wellbeing.

The plan is one of three essential elements to handling injury in the workplace. These include:

  • a current compensation insurance policy covering all workers; 
  • a documented injury management system for the workplace; and 
  • an injury management return-to-work plan as needed.

CCIWA Safety and Risk consultant Matt Butterworth outlines how to build a return-to-work plan, like the one in our hypothetical case study, with employee safety at its heart.

Click on the editable PDF for a hypothetical return-to-work plan.

Return-to-work hierarchy 

Occupational rehabilitation providers follow, a ‘return-to-work hierarchy, in descending order of preference: 

    1. Returning the worker to the same workplace in the same job.
    2. The worker conducting a modified job at the same workplace.
    3. The worker carrying out a new job at the same workplace.
    4. The worker relocating their same job to a new workplace (when a workplace’s location doesn’t suit their rehabilitation needs).
    5. The worker conducting a modified job at a new workplace.
    6. The worker carrying out a new job at a new workplace.

In determining which option to pursue, a number of key considerations should be made, including identifying;

    • any limitations to the injured worker performing their pre-injury role, as outlined in a functional capacity evaluation;
    • suitable adjustments to the workplace, which may include modifications to job task, tools or equipment that may allow the worker to continue in their role, 
    • suitable alternative work or duties within the business; and 
    • anything in the workplace that may adversely affect their recovery.

Once these investigations are complete, the return-to-work plan can be built.

Plan essentials

As a bare minimum, any return-to-work plan needs to include: 

  • details of the employee, employer, insurer and medical practitioner; 
  • the date and nature of injury; 
  • any work restrictions that may apply;
  • the return to work goals (e.g. resuming lighter duties and managing the injury); and 
  • any workplace rehabilitation requirements.

CCIWA's experts outline key considerations in building a return-to-work plan, share an editable plan template including a hypothetical case study, and unpack the key considerations behind building your own.

Tagged under:

You may also be interested in

Case Study –   Skei Batton v The Environment Centre NT
Case Study –   Skei Batton v The Environment Centre NT
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down a decision in an unfair dismissal claim involving an employee and serious misconduct.
Read more »
Union delegate rights – what you need to know
Union delegate rights – what you need to know
The Federal Government’s overhaul of workplace laws has triggered changes to the union delegate definition and rights, as well as right of entry powers.
Read more »
WHS transitional arrangements update
WHS transitional arrangements update
Under WA’s Work Health and Safety laws, businesses have been able to work through transitional arrangements. With many timeframes set to expire, we explain...
Read more »