Return to Work Program Template

The Docushop Return to Work Porgram Template is used by Admin or HR Departments when workers return to work following a workplace injury. The RTW template is fully editable and in word format with sample data.

The Return to Work Template is completed by employers and employees when returning to work after a work-related injury and return to work refers to helping injured workers with their recovery and getting back to work. Legislation in this area provides for the safe and durable return to work of an injured worker as early as possible allowing for their injury.

WHAT IS A RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

The return to work of an injured worker involves the employer and worker—and depending on the legislation in each jurisdiction and the severity of the injury—it may also involve workplace rehabilitation coordinators and providers, medical and other health professionals as well as the insurer.

The successful return to work of a worker following an injury usually involves four factors:

• early, positive contact from the worker’s supervisor or manager
• an effective workplace rehabilitation program
• effective and supportive claims management practices
• cooperation, consultation and coordination between stakeholders.

The program sets out the workers duties and schedule during the return to work phase. This could include reduction of duties or hours.

WHY DO I NEEDA RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

Return to Work programs are mandated by law in Australia. So not matter how big or small your company is, or what industry you are in, if you employ staff (and in some case contractors) you MUST have a return to work program as part of your larger Occupational Health and Safety system.

A Return to Work Program is an integral part of any injury management system. You are required to develop a written Return to Work Program for your injured worker as soon as practicable when their treating doctor: advises you in writing that a Return to Work Program should be established for your worker.

Ensure you are prepared for when an employee comes back to your company

The RTW program facilitates employees returning to work, by giving a clear system to guarantee that everyone understands what is expected of them before the return date. A Return To Work Program helps you to prepare ahead of time.

Each employee will need an individualised approach which this template provides. This is critical to assist returning employees and lets you allow for any new requirements to be met.

It sets thee standard and gives clear details

When your employees recover from an injury and are ready to return to work (after medical clearance), it’s vital for a clear understanding between the employer and employee about the specific job requirements and expectations.

The Docushop Return To Work Plan allows you to clearly define the job title (which may change while on limited duties), duties of the employee and any additional details.

This includes:

• Core duties and tasks
• Physical demands
• Tools and equipment used
• Daily workflow
• Work systems such as breaks, timetables and work hours

Our comprehensive Return To Work Plan lays out the details of the role, so you can make sure that both you and the employee are aware of what is expected before the return date and when commencing.

Removes confusion and gives clear communication

One of the major advantages of a Return To Work Program is that it allows for clear communication between the different parties involved (including worksafe and medical practioners).

As well as communication between the employer and employee, you may also need to cooperate with doctors and other health practitioners. This is especially important to confirm that the employee has medical approval before they return to work.

Direct colleagues of the employee who is returning may also need to understand the changes and timeframe of such. When you communicate to your team, they can raise any issues with the returning workers new duties and how this impacts the greater team.

A Return to Work lowers the risk of workers compensation costs

When communication between employers and employees break down, there is increased risk of workers seeking compensation for their injury. Return to Work Programs provide an actionable plan to help get employees back to work after an injury, reducing the likelihood of your business facing potential legal action and limiting the cost of disability benefits or other costs associated.

Gives confidence to your employees

When using a Return To Work program, you demonstrate to your employees that you are invested in their wellbeing. It is a clear statement that you care about their welfare, which can help to boost confidence and employee engagement.

Effective Return To Work management relies on good planning and communication. To make the transition as smooth as possible, implement a Return To Work Program to help you prepare and facilitate good communication, while generating confidence and lowering the risk of extra costs to your business.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

In the Docushop Return to Work Program template we have included the following:

• Injured Worker Details
• Employer Details
• Treating Doctor Details
• Return to Work Goal
• Medical Restrictions
• Alternate Duties
• Alternate Duties Roster

Document is signed and dated by the employee, manager, and injury management coordinator and kept in the employee file (also sent to the treating doctor and insurer).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

Apart from being a mandatory requirement when having staff, the benefits centre around having a clear and consistent plan both with your employee, but also with their impacted colleagues. When everyone knows what to expect, what the timeframes are and any other requirements, it means the impacted worker can get back into work with minimal issue.

When returning from a workplace injury, it can be confusing for the employee, giving them the peace of mind that you have taken their situation into consideration and planned for their smooth return, shows you are an employer that looks after their staff.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T HAVE A RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

Put simply, the company directors can be fined! There is no excuse for any businesswith staff not to have a simple template like this in their OHS system. These fines vary but in some Australian states can be upwards of $2,000 (W.A.).

HOW TO USE THIS RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM?

The template is an editable MS Word document and is ready to download and edit immediately.

Once purchased, wait a few moments while it creates your download, and you can then download when the ‘DOWNLOADS READY’ box appears. You will also receive an email with the downloads so you can access them later.

Customise the template with your business name and logo. You can also change the theme template to update the colour profile to match your corporate colours. 

Read through every section and customise to your business. If something is not relevant, simply delete it. And of course, you can add any additional sections as you require.

FORMAT: Word

PAGES: 3