There are a range of services provided to assist an injured worker to recover and return to employment. This can include Support Counselling/ Worksite Assessment/ Ergonomic Assessment/ Vocational Assessment/ Return to Work Programme Management/ Job Interview Skills and Training, and providing information about the workers compensation system.

There is an acknowledgement at Freshstart Injury Management that there are often significant consequences to families and general individual health of the injured worker. The physical and psychological challenges of ongoing pain, limitations, poor sleep, job and financial concerns for the future, and isolation at home can all impact negatively. Provided levels of care, kindness, information and support is an important part of how we view we should be looking after our clients. The WorkCover WA "Service Provision and Service Descriptions [standards] for Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Providers" states the following with regards to the responsibilities of an accredited vocational rehabilitation provider:

"Return to Work Planning

Return to work planning will: Specify strategies that address the identified risks, needs, strengths and capacities having regard for the worker's medical status, psychosocial concerns, employer requirements, workplace issues and any other RTW barriers."

In general terms, the role of an Accredited Workplace Rehabilitation Provider is to assist someone back to work. The first goal is to assess an ability to return to the preinjury job. If this is not possible, then at an appropriate time in recovery there will be a discussion about possible alternative options that may include modified preinjury duties, alternative duties with the same employer, or a New Employer/ New Duties goal, which may include retraining and a range of redeployment services.

When a person's injury has settled reasonably to permit an appropriate and meaningful return to duties in the workplace, a Return to Work Programme can be established through consultation between the key parties. This includes consultation and agreement with the injured person, the treating doctor and the employer. This Return to Work is viewed by Freshstart Injury Management as a step in the treatment process. It provides the opportunity for functional re-engagement and assessment in the workforce in a controlled, safe environment. The injured worker should maintain a high level of control and consultation over this process. This may mean the injured worker initially returning to modified or light duties, then graduates up to full duties if and when possible, returning to their previous role and duties or, when this is not possible due to physical limitations, redeployment into a new role or employer as appropriate. Placements are made based on client skills, experience, medical restrictions, interests and physical ability.

If someone is unable to return to their previous employment, part of the Return to Work process may include meeting one of our expert psychologists where they will complete a Vocational Assessment, Vocational Counselling and/or a Transferable Skills Assessment to discuss and explore different vocational options. The main focus of this process is to help with the physical and psychological transition to alternative employment.

For further information you can contact us here or to read more on our Injury Management Consultants team click here.