There is specific return to work coordination requirements in Australia that determine whether an employer must appoint a Return to Work Coordinator. Since workplace injuries and illnesses are inevitable, it is essential that employers comply with the rules and regulations set by each state’s governing bodies. In this blog post we will break down the return to work coordination requirements in Australia and whether an employer is legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator in each state.
What is a Return to Work Coordinator?
A Return to Work Coordinator is a person who is nominated by an employer (or a contractor engaged for the role) whose primary purpose is to assist injured workers to return to work in a safe and durable manner.
What are the main responsibilities of a Return to Work Coordinator?
The main responsibilities of a Return to Work Coordinator include:
- Managing the return to work process.
- Liaising with healthcare professionals.
- Communicating with the injured worker and their supervisor.
- Identifying and managing potential barriers to work.
- Promoting a safe and healthy workplace.
Return to Work Coordination Requirements by State
New South Wales
In NSW, you are legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator if you are a Category 1 employer. You’re a Category 1 employer if you have a basic tariff premium of over $50,000 a year, self-insured or insured by a specialiser insurer who has over 20 employees. If you’re a Category 2 employer, you are not required to appoint a RTW coordinator, however you should nominate someone to manage any workers compensation or workplace recovery events.
For more information, visit the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority.
Victoria
In VIC, you are legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator if you are an employer with a rateable remuneration of less than $2,169,670. The employer’s return to work obligations commences as soon as they receive the worker’s Certificate of Capacity or claim for weekly payments. This obligation will continue for 52 weeks of the injured worker’s incapacity for work resulting from or materially contributed to by their injury.
For more information, visit WorkSafe Victoria.
Queensland
In QLD, an employer is legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator if they operate in a high-risk industry and are paid more than 2,600 x QOTE ($1,953.70) in wages in the previous financial year. Additionally, if the employer is in a non-high risk industry and paid more than 5,200 QOTE in wages.
For more information, visit WorkSafe QLD.
Western Australia
In WA, you are not required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator, however you must have a tailored return to work program in place. The return to work program must commence when one of the following occurs first:
- The treating practitioner issues a certificate of capacity.
- The day on which the treating medical practitioner informs the employer that a return to work program should be established for the injured worker.
- The day an arbitrator (under Part 6) determines, or parties agree, that the worker has a compensable injury and is partially incapacitated for work.
For more information, visit WorkCover WA.
Northern Territory
In the NT, an employer is not required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator, however you must have a tailored return to work program in place.
For more information, visit NT WorkSafe.
South Australia
In SA, an employer is legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator if they have employed 30 or more staff members for a continuous period of three or more months. The Return to Work Coordinator must also be based in South Australia and have completed the Return to Work Coordinator certification training with an approved training provider. This must be completed within 6 months of the company reaching 30 employees and within 3 months of the vacancy occurring.
For more information, visit ReturntoWorkSA.
Tasmania
In TAS, an employer is legally required to appoint a Return to Work Coordinator when they have more than 100 employees. Employers who have less than 100 employees should also consider appointing or training an existing worker to undertake the role.
For more information, visit WorkSafe Tasmania.
Australian Capital Territory
In ACT, if you’re a self-insurer or a large employer you must appoint a trained or experienced return to work coordinator.
For more information, visit WorkSafe ACT.
Outsourcing a Return to Work Coordinator
Outsourcing a Return to Work Coordinator helps to ensure that your business is not only compliant but supported by expert guidance to manage workplace injuries efficiently, reduce risks and promote the health and wellbeing of your employees.
At Recovery Partners, we assist business across the nation with Return to Work Coordination. Our consultants will act in a central role as a Return to Work Coordinator, fielding all initial notifications. From this point, the consultant would manage each injured worker that is claiming for Workers Compensation or a significant injury, regardless of the level of incapacity, or severity of the claim. Following this contact, the next action on each claim may vary.
The consultant would also act as the Return to Work Coordinator for all existing matters, and depending on the complexity of the matter, this role may include:
- Assuming the role of intermediary between the relevant insurance company and insurer/case manager (self-insured environment)/governing body.
- Development of return to work plans for injured workers.
- Negotiation on suitable duties with nominated treating doctor.
- Communication with treating professionals to ensure optimal recovery timeframes.
- Scheduling case conferences with preferred doctors and attendance.
- Responding to requests for information from the worker’s solicitor to ensure only appropriate and necessary information is provided.
- Liaising with site managers to ensure appropriate rosters.
- Assistance with reporting requirements.
- Communication with the insurer/case manager regarding a claim’s strategy.
- Attendance at claims reviews to supply information regarding the rehabilitation of injured workers.
- Reporting in line with the clients daily/weekly/monthly requirements.
Benefits of Outsourcing a Return to Work Coordinator
- Reduction in costs and time lost.
- Positive employee experience.
- Access to expertise and ensure compliance.
- Improvement to work outcomes.
Want to find out more?
Our services are available nationwide. Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/