Do you have a return to work coordinator?

Attention to OHS standards and injury management is becoming increasingly important in worker’s compensation today. Within the arena of injury management, a number of arrangements including early notification, medical treatment and review of both the occupational and social aspects of rehabilitation need to be in place to ensure effective return to work is achieved.

Management of injured workers requires cooperation from a number of parties including the employer, injured worker, employees, doctor, insurer and other health professionals. The Return to Work Coordinator is a key person in the effective management of the rehabilitation process and acts as a link between all of the parties involved.

A Return to Work Coordinator is engaged by the employer and is responsible for the management of the injured worker. The Coordinator is involved in the development of a return to work program in consultation with the workforce.

A Return to Work Program is mandatory for all employers. It outlines the company's policies and procedures for the management of injured workers. A Return to Work Coordinator also has the role of facilitating a teamwork approach between the worker, management, insurer and health practitioners to develop and implement a return to work plan for the injured worker.

In NSW, a Category 1 employer must employ/or engage a person as a Return to Work Coordinator. This person is required to attend the two day WorkCover Accredited training course 'Introduction to Return-to Work Coordination'. Penalties can be imposed for not appointing and training a Return to Work Coordinator.

A Category 1 employer is an employer:

• whose basic tariff premium is in excess of $50,000 per year
• who is self-insured
• who is insured by a specialised insurer, and who employs more than 20 workers.

If your company has a Return to Work Coordinator who requires training contact NSW Business Limited OHS Consulting Services on 13 26 96.