Australian Workers Compensation and Return To Work

Workplace compensation is an unfortunate but necessary aspect of every industry in Australia. It is unfortunate in that a worker has experienced some form of injury or illness and it is necessary in that workers comp forms a crucial part of rehabilitation. Workcover workers compensation is but another aspect of the worksafe Australia codes of practice and should be a central consideration for any business seeking to update its safe work practices.

The following workers comp policy and return to work process indicates a compliant workplace:

• Business details are reflected in the workers compensation insurance policy
• The workers comp claim is reported to the relevant insurer within the specified timeline
• Details of return to work programs are outlined to workers, including the relevant safe work practices for the event of an injury or illness
• When worker injury or illness does occur, the appropriate return to work plan is implemented

The following workers comp policy and return to work process indicates a semi-compliant workplace:

• Business details are not reflected in the workers compensation insurance policy
• The workers comp claim is not reported to the relevant insurer within the specified timeline
• Details of return to work programs are not outlined to workers, nor are the relevant safe work practices for the event of an injury or illness
• In the case of worker injury or illness, return to work plans are no effectively implemented

The following workers comp policy and return to work process indicates a non-compliant workplace that requires immediate action:

• There is no workers compensation insurance policy in place
• There is no return to work program or policy in place
• There is no return to work assistance offered to workers following an injury or illness

For more information and advice on worker’s compensation, read Safe Work Australia’s National Workers Compensation Action Plan.