Recovery through work
The NSW Workers Compensation Scheme focuses on supporting people to get back to their normal activities, including work, after a workplace accident.
Keeping active is an important part of recovery. Research indicates that people recover more effectively when they rehabilitate at work.
Recovery through work can mean:
- continuing normal employment and attending treatment appointments before or after work
- doing the same job with different hours
- modified work
- a different job, at the same workplace or a different workplace
- a training opportunity
- a combination of these options.
Return to Work Roadmap 2026-28
The Return to Work Roadmap 2026-28 sets a clear direction for improving return to work outcomes within the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, placing a strong emphasis on person-centred early intervention and work participation. Read the RoadmapAn employer's role
Employers play an important role in helping their worker's recovery through work by:
- identifying suitable work tasks that align with the worker's current capacity
- adjusting their work hours or days if necessary
- maintaining regular contact with the worker
- collaborating with your worker and their support team to tailor their recovery through work.
Employers have a responsibility to facilitate a worker’s recovery through work by providing suitable work.
This tool will help you develop an effective recover at work plan for your worker and help you meet legislative requirements.
All employers in NSW are required to establish a return to work program.
Some workplaces are required to appoint a Return to work coordinator who implements the workplace return to work program. SIRA provides free online training to help return to work coordinators meet their requirement of having relevant training, skills and experience.
SIRA offers various programs which support eligible people in their recovery through work.
Injury management plans are developed by the insurer case manager with the worker and relevant healthcare providers to coordinate treatment and rehabilitation.
A fact sheet that explains return to work programs, employer obligations under NSW law and the resources available to help.
These reports presents insurer’s recovery through work performance.
Return to work for public sector employees
The NSW Government Return to Work Strategy 2025-28 promotes a person-centred approach and aims to improve return to work outcomes for public sector employees and agencies. View the strategyUpdated 26 March 2026