information
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor or another health professional to ensure this advice is suitable for you.
Benefits of recovering through work
The NSW Workers Compensation Scheme supports workers in recovering through work, after a workplace injury. Continuing to work, even in a limited capacity, helps you get better and return to your usual activities sooner than if you were to take extended time off.
Returning to work while you recover has several advantages:
- Work helps you stay active, playing a crucial role in your recovery.
- Staying active can help alleviate pain.
- Being at work is an opportunity to connect with others and be part of a community.
- Work provides financial stability.
- Long periods away from work can have negative social, emotional and physical impacts.
- Research indicates that working can promote recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability and job loss.
Download our Benefits of working while you recover poster.
How to recover through work
Develop a recovery strategy by doing the following:
- Focus on what you can do and discuss safe work options with your doctor and employer.
- Identify alternative work if you’re unable to perform your usual tasks.
- Stay connected with your employer and colleagues, and explore any training opportunities during your recovery.
- Explore the SIRA funded programs available to support recovery through work.
- Monitor your pain levels, understanding that an increase in pain during activity does not necessarily mean your condition is worsening.
- If you have hearing loss, learn about workplace adjustments that can help you work effectively and safely.
Your role
Your role is to actively participate in your recovery from a workplace injury or illness. This involves:
- Collaborating with the insurer to develop and follow a recovery and injury management plan.
- Ensuring your Certificate of Capacity is current and that your insurer has a copy. Your nominated treating doctor should issue the first certificate, which is valid for up to 28 days. Subsequent certificates may be completed by your treating physiotherapist or psychologist using the Certificate of capacity – treating physiotherapist or psychologist form.
- Keeping your certificate current as outdated certificates can disrupt your compensation payments.
- Discussing your work capabilities with your employer and planning your workplace recovery early.
- Your employer is required to provide suitable work where possible and cannot dismiss you within 6 months of being deemed unfit for work due to injury. Detailed information is available in the workers compensation claims management guide.
Find out how employers support workers recovering through work.
See who can assist you when recovering from an injury to ensure a successful return to work.
There are things you and your employer can do to improve outcomes when returning to work after an injury.
A return to work (RTW) program is the formal policy that outlines general procedures for handling work related injury or illness.
SIRA offers a number of programs to support eligible workers in their recovery through work. You can access the programs multiple times if you are eligible.
Updated 19 June 2025