Return to Work Programmes

At the pain management centre we can help with developing return to work programmes. A return to work programme is aimed at returning a person to work full or part time. This may involve their old job or alternative work. It involves increasing a person's work hours and duties over a specified time frame, and in doing so the programme aims to ensure that all tasks are carried out safely.

A typical return to work programme involves:

clarifying the person's medical restrictions
matching the person's work capacity to the job demands
negotiating suitable duties and hours with the relevant parties
drawing up the return to work programme
obtaining the treating doctor's approval
undertaking regular monitoring
increasing the hours and duties as appropriate until full duties or alternative employment is achieved.
providing appropriate support

A return to work plan identifies suitable duties. Suitable duties are the parts of a job designed to allow an early return to work.

Return to work plans should include:

name of client/injured worker
position title
supervisor
specific duties to be performed
considerations for each duty
hours and/or days of work
specific duties to be avoided
start and end dates for the return to work program
monitoring arrangements
signatures of the all relevant parties
additional information that may be required as part of the return to work program depending on the specific state/territory.