Setting up a return-to-work plan 

If the worker is incapacitated for more than 14 days, a return-to-work plan must be prepared.  This plan should be completed within five days of the 14-day limit being reached. 

The plan should be

• designed in full consultation with the injured worker (and their representative if desired), their treating medical practitioner and rehabilitation provider
• realistic and achievable, ensuring that injured workers return to work in a safe and timely manner 
• Ideally signed by both the employer and the worker 

The worker, the treating doctor and the insurer should each receive a copy of the plan.  The return-to-work plan may include alternative duties and details of graduated return to work. 

A return-to-work plan must include

• the name of the injured worker
• the date on which the worker is expected to return to work
• an offer of suitable alternative duties
• the steps to be taken to facilitate the worker’s return to work and
• the long-term goal or aim.

Under the regulations (regulation 24) the return-to-work plan is to include evidence of reasonable attempts to consult with the treating medical practitioner.

The basic objective is to ensure that everything possible is done to enable the injured worker to return to the workforce as soon as possible and to minimise the physical, psychological, social, vocational and economic consequences of work injuries.