There are eight stages to the workplace rehab process, which is structured to help injured workers recover and safely return to work safely.
The workplace rehab process may be lengthy, but it is designed to optimise recovery outcomes. Here are the eight stages of a typical workplace rehabilitation journey:
- Stage 1: Notification of injury or illness
- Stage 2: Appointment of a rehabilitation case manager
- Stage 3: Assessing the need for rehabilitation
- Stage 4: Rehabilitation assessment
- Stage 5: Developing a rehabilitation program
- Stage 6: Monitoring the rehabilitation program
- Stage 7: Providing suitable work
- Stage 8: Closing the rehab program
Stage 1: Notification of injury or illnesses
- When a workplace injury occurs, the employer must be notified as soon as possible.
- Employers must inform their insurer within 48 hours of becoming aware of an employee's injury.
- For severe injuries, employers must also report to SafeWork NSW by calling 13 10 50.
- Prompt notification secures your rights and starts the support process.
- Record the injury in your organisation's register of injuries.
Stage 2: Appointment of rehabilitation case manager
Employers should appoint a rehabilitation case manager (if they don’t already have one), who would be responsible for:
- Contacting the employee within 24 hours to discuss their condition, return to work needs, and potential barriers.
- Coordinating the rehabilitation efforts and services required for the employee's recovery.
Stage 3: Assessing the need for rehabilitation
A rehabilitation assessment identifies an employee's needs and abilities, and is often requested by the employee or their doctor.
Insurer approval is required to begin workplace rehabilitation, ensuring services are necessary based on the worker's condition.
Stage 4: Rehabilitation assessment
The assessment includes an interview or examination to evaluate the worker's fitness and guide their return to work. The assessment outcome would form the basis of a tailored rehabilitation plan that addresses the worker's specific needs.
Stage 5: Developing a rehabilitation program
A rehabilitation program consists of structured treatment, support, and activities aimed at facilitating the employee's return to suitable employment. The program should be responsive, adaptable, and centred on the employee's progress and feedback for enhanced recovery outcomes.
Stage 6: Monitoring the rehabilitation program
This step involves:
- Evaluating progress against agreed return to work goals.
- Identifying and addressing barriers to return to work, such as changes in the employee's condition or workplace conditions.
- Assessing the effectiveness of any adjustments made to accommodate the employee's return.
- Constantly communicating with all parties to provide timely updates.
Stage 7: Providing suitable work
To accommodate an injured employee's capabilities and medical restrictions, duties may be modified, or alternative tasks assigned. A gradual Return to Work (RTW) plan can include part-time hours, increasing as capacity improves.
If returning to the original role isn't feasible, internal placement or redeployment options may be explored within the organisation.
Stage 8: Closing the rehab program
The formal closure of the rehabilitation program occurs when:
- The employee has successfully returned to work, either in their original role or in suitable alternative employment; or
- The rehabilitation goals have been met, or it is determined that current goals are no longer achievable.