Employer responsibilities

Besides responsibilities under the workers compensation legislation the employer also has responsibilities in relation to injury management which include:

1. Ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all workers.
2. To develop and promote a RTW program including displaying a summary in workplaces.
3. Appoint a trained return to work coordinator with the necessary qualifications, authority and resources to negotiate, develop and implemnet return to work policies and procedures (category 1 employers)
4. Select and nominate approved workplace rehabilitation providers in consultation with workers and relevant unions
5. To maintain contact with injured worker and assist with their injury management plan
6. To make suitable duties available when practicable which can facilitate a graduated return to work.
7. To not dismiss an injured worker because of the injury within 6 months of the worker first becoming unfit for employment
8. To provide workers with adequate information about workers compensation and return to work procedures, including their choice of doctor and rehabilitation provider and how to change providers, if required.
9. Advise the worker's nominated treating doctor and insurer on the requirements of the worker's usual job and availability of suitable duties
10. Comply with medical restrictions resulting from the work injury as obtained from the treating doctor.
11. Participate and cooperate in the establishment of an injury management plan for an injured worker and give effect to that plan at the workplace

The RTW Coordinator (where appointed) can assist the employer to fulfil his/her responsibilities and has specific responsibilities related to the role including:

1. To develop and regularly review the RTW program(at least every 2 years) for the organisation with all stakeholders.
2. To liaise with all parties as soon as possible after an injury
3. To develop a RTW plan in consultation with all parties
4. To monitor injured worker on suitable duties on a regular basis
5. To upgrade the suitable duties when appropriate and in consultation with all parties
6. To communicate with all parties if the injured worker is experiencing difficulty with performing or upgrading duties to investigate suitable options such as change of duties, change of treatment etc.
7. To refer injured worker to an accredited rehabilitation provider if not able to manage the injured worker internally
8. To respect the privacy and confidentialty of medical examinations by arranging a separate discussion between the worker, doctor and employer.
9. To liaise with the insurer if the injured is not able to upgrade to pre-injury duties and hours.