[Sample] Injury Management Policy

[Insert business name]

[Insert business name] recognises the value of its employees and is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment.

In the event that an employee is injured at work, we are committed to assisting injured workers to return to work effectively and efficiently, when medically appropriate. [Insert business name] will adhere to the requirements of the Workers’ Compensation Act in [insert state] in the event of a work related injury. 

The injury management process has the support of management, and recognises that success relies on the active participation and cooperation of the injured worker. Whenever possible, suitable duties will be arranged internally, taking the injured worker’s medical restrictions into account.

We value the early reporting of injuries, so the injury management system may be applied at the earliest opportunity. Early reporting results in faster medical care, lessening the impact of injuries and optimising recovery.

Aim

We aim to provide best practice responses to workplace injury management, and to ensure that injured workers obtain appropriate medical assistance. We will facilitate injured workers remaining at work or returning to work at a medically appropriate time.

Injury Management Process

When there is an injury at work, [insert business name] will: 

1. Ensure that the worker receives any immediate first aid required, and provide access to appropriate medical assistance.  
2. Inform appropriate parties as soon as possible, including the workers’ compensation insurer and RTW coordinator.
3. Advise the worker on the need to gain a Workers’ Compensation Medical Certificate from their doctor. The form outlines guidelines for return to work, or details if time off work is needed.
4. Provide the worker with a workers’ compensation claim form. 
5. Assist the worker to complete the claim form, if required. 
6. Lodge the first Workers’ Compensation Medical Certificate and claim form with the insurer within [x] working days. 
7. Maintain close contact with the injured worker, to check on progress and to make arrangements for the worker to either remain at work or return to work as soon as medically appropriate.
8. Prepare a Return to Work Plan, in consultation with the treating medical practitioner and the injured worker, at the appropriate time.
9. When the worker is unable to return to normal duties immediately, alternative duties will be provided on a temporary basis, consistent with medical opinion. These may include:
   • pre-injury duties on a part time basis
   • modified pre-injury duties (part- or full-time)
   • supernumerary (assisting others)
   • different duties in the same or different area.
10. If the worker is unable to return to their normal duties, training and assistance may be provided to assist the worker to find appropriate employment.
11. We will take all steps necessary to ensure that alternative duties will not prejudice or disadvantage injured workers.
12. We will provide return to work opportunities where possible for employees who suffer a non-work related injury.
13. The worker will be referred to an approved workplace rehabilitation provider when required. They may be appointed by agreement between the employee, employer and treating medical practitioner.
14. Progress towards the return to work goal will be monitored, and adjustments made where needed.
15. There will be regular communication with the insurer in relation to the injured worker’s claim. We will clarify any issues or concerns and request up-to-date information about our responsibilities in relation to the claim.
16. The injury management process is regarded as highly confidential and all records relating to the injured employee will only be made available to authorised people.
17. [Company name] will comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, relevant standards, and company and site specific policies and procedures.

The Employee is obliged to:

1. Provide [Company name] with a medical certificate in the appropriate prescribed format from their doctor.
2. Complete a Workers’ Compensation Claim form.
3. Advise their supervisor or return to work coordinator if there is a change in their condition, or if surgery has been scheduled.
4. Actively participate in the development of the return to work plan.
5. Returns to work noting the restrictions in the return to work plan as well as medical restrictions.
6. When the employee has returned to normal duties or a suitable alternate position, injury management will cease. The claim should be finalised with a Workers Compensation final medical certificate.
7. A union/safety representative may act as an advocate for the employee if required.
8. All employees are welcome to suggest system improvements.

Disputes

If issues cannot be resolved within the organisation, unresolved matters pertaining to injury management and workers’ compensation may be referred to the conciliation and arbitration services provided by the [relevant state or commonwealth regulator].

CONTACT PEOPLE

The person who has day-to-day responsibility for injury management is:

Name:

Role:

Postal Address:

Phone:

Email:

The workers’ compensation insurer for our organisation is:

Company Name:

Contact Person:

Role:

Postal Address:

Phone:

Email:

Authorised by:

[signature]

[role]

[name]

[date]