Return to Work (RTW) Program

While the concept of RTW is the same across the country, each state has different legislation and regulations that the parties must comply with, but it is important that everyone involved works together. This means that employers, employees (and their support person), the insurer’s case manager, RTW Coordinator and treating health professionals must work together to formulate a plan as to how the injured worker can return to work, implement that plan, monitor progress; and review the status of the employee and their working arrangements.

The sooner this can be actioned the better as research has shown that an early return to work (RTW) after a worker sustains an injury gives the best outcomes for both employees and employers, especially if all parties take an active role and focus on positive outcomes rather than what the employee cannot do.

If an employee is unable to return to their pre-injury job, the employer must provide suitable employment to an employee for a period of 52 weeks following the injury (e.g., reduced hours or modified duties). If the employer is unable to provide suitable employment, the employer will need to demonstrate the reasons as why this is so.

When the worker has returned to full capacity, the employer must provide them with employment at the same level as before their injury, or equivalent.