Recovery at work insider - Issue 14
Identifying suitable work
Why is this important?
As an employer, you have an important role in assisting your worker recover at work. Your worker may need changes to the way in which they work for a short period of time. Understanding your worker’s individual circumstances and needs will help you to identify the most suitable work options to facilitate recovery at work.
From the evidence
There is strong evidence that recovery at work and early return to good work can assist recovery and prevent other issues associated with time away from the workplace1,2.
RTW progress and outcomes are more likely to be positive when support, including suitable work options, are tailored to match a worker’s specific circumstances and needs3,4.
What you can do
- consider your worker's capacity including age, education, skills and work experience
- review both the physical and psychological demands of tasks available in your workplace
- match your worker’s capacity to work tasks available – consider tasks closest to your worker's pre-injury duties as the first option
- consider adjusting hours or days of work or the work environment to help provide options for recovery at work
- contact your insurer if you have difficulty identifying suitable work
- discuss if a workplace assessment by an approved workplace rehabilitation provider may help identify solutions or other options
- consider any training or support your worker may need to perform suitable work identified document the tasks identified in a written Recover at work plan.
Resources and tools
- SIRA’s website has tips to help employers identify suitable work
- WorkSafe Qld – Job task analysis and RTW checklist for common roles
- Australian government’s Preparing for the employee’s return conversation starter guide
- SIRA funded programs to support recovery at work
- SIRA: Recover at work plan template
Next edition
Our May edition will look at a tailored, person-centred approach to recover at work planning.
Get in touch
- Visit www.sira.nsw.gov.au
- Call 13 10 50
- Email [email protected]
Subscribe
Email [email protected] to subscribe to the Recovery at work e-newsletter.
Previous editions
Missed an issue? Read our most recent issues below:
- Issue 13:Providing suitable work improves recovery outcomes
- 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
1. Cullen K.L., Irvin E., Collie A., et al. Feb 2017. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in RTW for musculoskeletal, pain-related and mental health conditions: an update of the evidence and messages for practitioners. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation,
2. Australian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. November 2015. Realising the health benefits of work – an evidence update.
3. 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.
4. Safe Work Australia, 2019. National return to work strategy 2020-2030.