Welcome to the Northern Territory Compensation Scheme.
This short video will assist you getting your injured worker back to work.
We’ll explain what to do and what help is available.
Our presentation Making a Claim explains the claims process for workers following an injury at work.
Staying at or returning to work is an important part of a workers’ recovery.
The longer an injured worker is away from work
the less likely they will ever return.
Injured workers have as part of their claim
access to services and support to help them return to work.
Employers have control over the workplace
workforce and work duties
and are expected to take a lead role in working out
how
when
where
and in what way a worker will return to work.
Everyone involved with a workers’ return to work activities
the doctor
the worker
the employer
the vocational rehabilitation provider
and the insurers’ case manager
should communicate and work together to achieve a successful outcome.
If the nature of your worker’s injury is likely to keep them away from the workplace
remember to stay in touch
talk to them regularly
invite them to staff meetings
invite them to training
invite them to work social events
encourage them to contact you
if they have any concerns.
If you become aware that your workers’ total or partial incapacity
is likely to exceed 28 days
then you must give a proposal in writing to your worker
for a return to work plan.
Also ask your worker to provide a Fitness for Work Medical Certificate.
These describe what work they are able to do.
There are three steps in the return to work process.
As soon as you receive a Fitness for Work Medical Certificate
you and your worker can start to plan their return to work.
Discuss suitable duties you’ve identified with your worker
keeping in mind their medical restrictions.
Also consider the worker’s usual job
education
skills and experience
what alternative tasks they can perform
their working hours
what supervision or support they may need
and any workplace modifications and equipment needed
to help them work safely.
It’s important that the return to work goal is identified early
so everyone can work towards it.
This will be documented in the Return to Work Plan.
Most workers are able to return to their usual job.
However, if the injury is severe
a worker may be away from their pre-injury position
for weeks
months
or may never be able to return to that job.
If this is the case, consider if you can provide them with modified duties
or a new job permanently.
Alternatively, they may need help finding a new job
with a new employer.
A vocational rehabilitation provider
can help identify suitable duties
arrange a work trial or re-training
or assist if there are other issues affecting the workers’ return to work.
Speak to your insurer if you need assistance in developing the Return to Work Plan.
Appointing a vocational rehabilitation provider
retraining or finding a new job
with a new employer.
The final step is to prepare your workplace for your workers’ return.
Make sure the Return to Work Plan documents the suitable duties
hours of work and restrictions
and that it’s signed by you and your worker.
As an employer, you should ensure that your worker
is not made to feel uncomfortable when
they return to work.
Co-workers do not always understand the return to work process
and are unsure of what
to say or how to behave.
Talk to your workers about your return to work program
for managing workers who have suffered a work-related injury.
Take care not to divulge personal information
about an injured worker.
Monitor and review the return to work plan at regular intervals
and on receipt of Progress Certificates.
The injured worker is expected to take an active role in their return to work.
If problems arise or your worker unreasonably refuses to participate in their program
talk to your insurer.
They may also request a case conference to meet with everyone involved with the claim
and talk through the issues.
Watch our “Case Conferences” video
to find out more.
Further information and help are available.
If you have any questions contact the claims manager
or NT WorkSafe who can assist you.