Sustaining a work injury can be stressful, sometimes overwhelming. It is important to remember that you have supporters in the workplace, including the RTW Coordinator, your direct supervisor/manager, and your co-workers, who value the contribution you make and want to see you safely back at work.

Helpful as all these people may be, there is one person who plays an even more direct role in your recovery and return to work: YOU.

Although the situation may feel out of your control right now, there are things you can do to ensure that you get back in the driver’s seat as soon as possible.

In order to take charge of the process, you need to remember three things:

1. You can make a difference.
2. You are valuable.
3. You belong to a team.

And then, you need to take action!

Report injuries – even minor injuries – promptly. Remember the old saying “A stitch in time saves nine”? Reporting an injury promptly is like a well-timed stitch. It means that, where appropriate, you can get treatment to prevent a small health problem from becoming a big one. Also, your supervisor or manager can take steps to make sure that other workers don’t injure themselves in the same way.

Be an active participant in return to work and rehabilitation.

No one else can return to work or do your recovering for you! Since getting well is largely your responsibility, it is only fair that you have a say in what goes on.

Get involved by:

• Making suggestions about return to work duties and hours;
• Attending all workplace appointments, for example with your RTW coordinator; and
• Working closely with your supervisor to develop a return to work plan.

Make the most of treatment.

Sometimes, getting over an injury will involve an effort on your part. Although it might seem like a hassle, making the most of treatment is less difficult in the long run than dealing with the consequences of letting treatment fall by the wayside.

Not doing your stretches or missing doctor’s appointments can have consequences that range from you needing extra days off work on workers’ comp, to long-term pain and disability. Don’t be victimised by your injury! Take control of your recovery.

Make the most of treatment by:

• Doing all proscribed exercises/stretches;
• Supporting communication between the workplace and the treating practitioners;
• Attending ALL medical appointments; and
• Complying with restrictions to avoid re-injury.

Keep in touch with the workplace.

Work might be the last thing you want to think about while you’re recovering, but staying in touch with your supervisor/manager and co-workers will make your transition back to work smoother and less stressful.

There are also things you need to let your employer know about for example if:

• Your medical restrictions are updated;
• Surgery is planned; or
• There is a significant improvement or deterioration in your condition.

Report post-injury workplace difficulties early.

Returning to work and activity as soon as possible after an injury is good for most people, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be challenges. If you’re having difficulties in the workplace, remember that modifications can only be made and problems dealt with when you let people know about them. Don’t let your return to work be compromised by a lack of communication. Instead, go to your supervisor/manager with the problem and – if you can – some potential solutions.

You are the boss of your own recovery!