Recovery at work insider - Issue 4

Design and implement effective return to work systems

Why is this important?

By developing effective return to work (RTW) systems, employers can positively influence RTW outcomes before an injury occurs.

Effective RTW systems:

promote a focus on, and set expectations of, recovery at work even before an injury occurs
show your workers you care about their wellbeing and are committed to supporting them at the first sign of injury
ensure workers and supervisors know how to report and respond to injury
make a positive, coordinated, and timely recovery at work easier.

From the evidence

Good systems produce better RTW outcomes. RTW is easier when people know what to expect, understand their role in the process, and ensure a coordinated approach.^1,2

What can you do

make reporting an injury easy
consult with workers when designing or reviewing your RTW program to gain their buy-in
implement your program and let your workers know how it works
gain commitment from senior management
respond to and manage work-related injury and illness

Resources and tools

‘If you get injured at work’ poster (also available in 5 other community languages)
‘Register of injuries’ template
‘Guidelines for workplace return to work programs’ provides:
- guidance for employers to design and implement a RTW program
- a standard RTW program template for employers a checklist for employers to assess their RTW program.
SIRA’s free RTW coordination eLearning

Next edition

Our next edition will focus on designing and implementing effective RTW systems.

Get in touch

Call 13 10 50
Email [email protected]

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Previous editions

Missed an issue? Read our most recent issues below:

Issue 3: Promote the health benefits of good work and recovery at work
Issue 2: Positive workplace culture improves recovery at work outcomes
Issue 1: Successful recovery at work strategies

References

^{1 Return to Work Matters. Workplace Systems to Improve RTW: A practical guide to implementing effective workplace systems. www.rtwmatters.org
2 Collie, A., Lane, T., Di Donato, M. and Iles, R. August 2018. Barriers and enablers to RTW: literature review. Insurance Work and Health Group, Monash University: Melbourne, Australia.}