Who supports your recovery through work

There are different types of insurers in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme. They include:

• the Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer
• self-insurers
• specialised insurers
• government self-insurers.

Your insurer will assign a case manager to you to coordinate your claim. Insurer case managers are your primary contact for payment queries and medical treatment expenses. Your case manager will:

• Maintain regular contact with you, your doctor, treatment providers and your employer.
• Authorise and arrange payment for medical expenses and vocational programs where needed.
• Determine your weekly compensation payments.
• Assist your employer in supporting your recovery at work.
• Arrange assessments or services to evaluate your fitness for work.
• Be available to discuss any needs, barriers, or issues affecting your recovery.

Your doctor plays a crucial role in supporting and optimising your recovery. You choose your treating doctor, whether it’s your GP or a specialist. They will:

• Assess, diagnose, and treat your injury.
• Advise on medical treatment and your work capacity, completing the Certificate of Capacity as needed.
• Support you and your employer, along with other team members, in your recovery at work.

If your employer has a return to work coordinator, they will be a key contact throughout your recovery. They will:

• Collaborate with you and your supervisor to coordinate your recovery at work.
• Act as a main link between you and your support team.
• Address any recovery progress issues or workplace concerns.
• Organise workplace adjustments or equipment to aid your recovery.
• If there is no designated coordinator, another person at your workplace will handle these responsibilities.

If your injury / illness is work-related, your employer is obliged to provide suitable work according to your current capacity. This involves:

• Identifying suitable work options.
• Developing a tailored recovery at work plan.
• Consulting with your doctor and the insurer about your recovery plan and necessary workplace adjustments.
• Employers may receive incentives to support your recovery at work. For assistance, they can contact workplace rehabilitation providers.

Workplace rehabilitation providers are health professionals like occupational therapists and physiotherapists who can help you recover at work by:

• assessing your workplace and duties
• identifying recovery strategies
• advising on work options if returning to your pre-injury employer is not possible
• maintaining a positive working relationship between you and your employer
• contact the insurer to be referred to a provider.

Find a workplace rehabilitation provider

SIRA regulates NSW’s Workers Compensation and CTP schemes, ensuring they remain effective, affordable and sustainable. Our responsibilities include:

• Supervising insurers to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Educating employers about their roles within the workers compensation system.
• Managing and approving some health providers.
• Resolving complaints from workers about their employers or providers.

Contact us on 13 74 72.

The Independent Review Office (IRO) is an independent body responsible for:

• Addressing workers compensation queries and investigating insurer complaints.
• Managing legal assistance for injured workers.
• Investigating CTP insurer complaints.
• If issues with your claim persist, contact the IRO for resolution assistance.

Contact IRO

• Phone: 13 94 76
• Website:  www.iro.nsw.gov.au