I am very impressed with the type of information available on the Return to Work Matters site..

Another question that is begging to be asked is,  with this vast array of knowledge from representatives of all the key stakeholders in IM and W/C do you have any plans to set up some sort of professional membership group? 

In WA at least, there is no professional body that fosters education, PD and networking specifically for IM & RTW  Coordinators.  I was previously a member of the Occupational Health Society of Australia (WA) with a body of members including OH&S Professionals, OHN and Occ. Physicians and Occupational therapists, but some time back the membership data was "lost" in a  computer crash and at that point the wheels fell off and they went into oblivion.

That organisation provided networking, short educational talks, seminars and discussion groups, which I found very helpful in the early stages of my career as in WA there is limited training for IM Coordinators other than a couple 2 day seminars at WorkCover and being the regulator they simply recommend dispute resolution for everything.

I’ve noticed some employers are now asking for applicants to have a Certificate in Injury Management, yet when I discussed this with WorkCover WA they said they had no knowledge of any such Certificate.  I have found the Industrial Foundation for Accident Prevention in WA run a 2 day Injury Management Coordinators Course and a 1 day Advanced Injury Management Course, however the need for training and support is much greater than this one hard to find training program*.

I feel that a group such as yours could be instrumental in lobbying quality training and ongoing PD for those involved in IM and Return to Work as it is, on occasions,  the most difficult job in an organization and is generally tacked onto the OH&S  Manager role as an afterthought and they try to muddle their way through without training, support or the backing of a dedicated professional body.

Valerie Daniels
Business Manager Safety IQ Pty Ltd
Western Australia

Hi Valerie,

Thanks for your e-mail. The points you raise are important.

Over the last 10 years the field of return to work (RTW) coordination has developed substantially. There are many thousands of RTW coordinators across most jurisdictions, and the paucity of support and training available is a commonly raised issue.   Many states provide a two or three day training course training course, however for most this simply provides an introduction to the field.

The spectrum of return to work coordinators spreads from a small organisation, where the coordinator may deal with one case every five years, to a large organisation where the coordinators are rehabilitation professionals, university trained, and highly experienced.

We think the issue you talk of it is timely and worth discussing. At RTWMatters we would be pleased to be part of an ongoing conversation about the development of an industry association.

What does an industry association provide? There are many areas where an industry association can support those in the field. An association can provide links between practitioners, improve knowledge of those who work in the field, influence stakeholders, lobby for professional development, and the support career development of members.

There is good evidence that return to work coordinators can make a significant difference to the health and well-being of the workers and the workforce, and we reckon this difficult role deserves as much support as can be provided.

The Safety Institute of Australia provides an everyday example of the aims of an industry association. https://sia.org.au/about

The aims of the Institute are: 

• to promote health and safety awareness;
• to encourage recognition of the Institute's involvement within occupational health and safety;
• promote professional recognition and develop ethical awareness and integrity through the Institute's involvement in occupational health and safety issues;
• to research and develop occupational health and safety procedures and practices;
• the provision of such services and facilities, as determined from time to time by the Committee, relating to the achievement of these objectives.

The needs of return to work coordination are similar. An association that promoted professional recognition of RTW coordinators training and experience would enhance the career path of those who work in this area. Promoting professional recognition, promoting awareness of return to work as an important responsibility and discipline, and supporting research and development of the field are long term strategic approaches of importance.

How should such an industry associations start?  The Safety Institute started in the late 40s with a group of students developing a small association that developed over the following ten years to cover each state. And has continued to grow and develop.  Such an association requires time and resources to develop, but the main ingredient is the enthusiasm and drive of participants to get it off the ground. 

And where should such an organisation sit?  Does it fall under the umbrella of human resources, should come under one of the current rehabilitation Professional associations?  Or should it develop as a new entity? 

Jurisdictions are starting to spend time on supporting RTW coordinators.  States such as Victoria have a regular newsletter that goes out to people who have registered for the RTW newsletter. Others, such as South Australia, have a discussion group, where RTW coordinators can talk to each other online. Some jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, have mandatory two-day training. Others, such as Western Australia and Victoria, encourage but do not mandate training. Some run group training and support sessions. These approaches are important, but are basic and do not meet the needs of many who work in the area. 

This field is still in its infancy. At RTWMatters we think approaches that support coordinators talking to each other, discussing issues, and increase the recognition and professionalism of coordinators are vital. In the next few months our blog and discussion area will be live, and we hope for some thought provoking discussions. However, we do not have the resources to develop an industry association, but would be pleased to work with and support a group who do.

*Footnote from Valerie:  I am not referring to training for Approved Vocational rehabilitation Counsellors who meet the criteria of Workers Compensation Regulations.