Contents

1. Policies and Procedures

Benefits

How to develop a work  disability  policy

The procedures

Implementation

Induction and training

Special situations

2. Reporting systems

Options

Important components

Pros and cons of different systems

Setting up systems

3. Understanding the costs

Understanding and using the cost information

Direct and indirect costs

Costs for the employee and community

Collecting cost information

Using cost data to influence

4. Injury, Disability and Lost Time Patterns

Performance indicators

Collecting case data

Setting up reports

Analysing data

Observing trends

Seeking feedback from staff

Review frequency

1. Policies and Procedures

A workplace policy is a statement of purpose that provides a broad guideline on the company’s approach to the relevant area.  

Workplace procedures outline the actions, processes and conduct in more detail.

Benefits

A well written work disability policy outlines an organisation’s commitment to the area the policy covers, and allows the organisation’s approach and commitment to be visible and consistent across staff, departments and worksites even if there is staff changeover.

The time taken to document and inform staff about the policy demonstrates the organisation’s commitment.

Workplace policies can be recognised and used in courts of law.  A written workplace policy backs up staff with responsibility in this area by informing others in the organisation. 

The workplace policy also helps clarify functions and responsibilities, and allows the organisation to assess performance against stated commitments and objectives.

An organisation’s work disability policy has the following components:

I.   A statement of commitment by the organisation regarding workplace disability, signed by the most senior person of the organisation.
 

II.  A more detailed outline on the organisation’s policies and its procedures, including:

·     Roles and responsibilities of all people concerned

·     Instruction of how the organisation’s workplace rehabilitation will be undertaken.

·     Documented procedure that expands on the expected courses of action.

How to develop a work disability policy

A well written policy document is an important component of disability management.

However, a strong document that sits on the shelf and is not used is of little value.  The best way to develop and then implement a policy is to ensure that staff are consulted during the process of policy development.  Staff are