Recovery at work insider Issue - 13

Providing suitable work improves recovery outcomes

Why is this important?

Work is an important aspect of a worker’s recovery following injury. Work can be used as a form of treatment to gradually increase your worker’s capacity and confidence.

From the evidence

For most workers, it is not medically necessary to take time off work following an injury¹. Research shows that the longer your worker is away from work, the less likely they are to return². 

Supporting workers to remain in the workplace and stay active while recovering can reduce the time it takes to recover and prevent disability³.

What you can do

Employers are required to offer suitable work where reasonably practicable to support workers in recovering at work⁴. You should:

• proactively promote the ‘health benefits of good work’
• set expectations in your workplace that workers will be supported to recover at work (this should be included in your RTW program)
• involve your worker and their supervisor early in considering what work might be suitable to allow them to recover at work
• let your worker, their doctor and treatment provider(s) know what suitable work is available, and get their input on how work can be used as treatment to help a worker recover

aim to provide suitable work that allows a worker to make a valued contribution to the workplace.

Resources and tools

• WorkSafe QLD’s short video on the health benefits of good work
• SIRA website: I’m an employer helping my worker recover – What’s my role?
• SIRA’s programs to support recovery at work

Next edition

Our April edition will focus on identifying suitable work and assistance available to help you.Our April edition will focus on identifying suitable work and assistance available to help you.

Get in touch

• Visit www.sira.nsw.gov.au
• Call 13 10 50
• Email [email protected]

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Previous editions

Missed an issue? Read our most recent issues below:

• Issue 12: Identifying risk factors for delayed recovery improves outcomes
• Issue 11: Recovery through work, 2021 a year in review
• Issue 10: Support your workers to recover at work through a coordinated approach between stakeholders
• Issue 9: Equipping workers to take an active role in their recovery achieves better outcomes
• Issue 8: Early, supportive contact improves recovery at work outcomes
• Issue 7: Support workers to report an injury early 
• Issue 6: Ensure leaders are engaged and committed to a positive recovery culture
• Issue 5: Leaders are committed to building RTW capability 
• Issue 4: Design and implement effective return to work systems
• 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