For Injured Workers

1. See the doctor

If you are injured or fall ill at work, it’s imperative that you seek immediate medical treatment. As an injured worker you have the legal right to nominate your own treating doctor or another doctor of your choice. You cannot be forced to attend a doctor nominated by your employer.

It’s important for you to understand this is a legal right and to have confidence in your treating doctor. The doctor provides ongoing treatment for the injury/illness and completes a Work Capacity Certificate which indicates if you are completely unfit or if you have some capacity to work.

2. Report the injury to your employer

This will enable you to receive treatment and income support if necessary. You may not receive compensation if you resign prior to reporting the injury. Your employer, on request, must provide the name and address of their insurer.

3. Submit a worker’s compensation claim

Ask your employer for a claim form, fill it in and give it back to your employer with your Work Capacity Certificate. Some large employers will have a phone number, hotline, or online form to report the injury and lodge the claim.

Keep copies of all documents including claim forms, receipts, etc. If you need assistance, contact your union.

4. The right to choose your own rehab provider

The Worker’s Health Centre is approved by SIRA to act as a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider. We are independent and always act in your best interests to achieve a durable return to work. Any Injured Worker (or your union on your behalf) can make a referral to a rehabilitation provider as long as there is a need for professional and impartial occupational rehabilitation services.

As an injured worker you have the legal right to nominate a Rehabilitation Provider of your choice. You cannot be forced to use the Rehabilitation Provider nominated by your employer or their insurer. We will work with you, your union, your employer, their Insurer, and all other parties to develop your Injury Management Plan. Click this link to our on-line referral form.

5. Participate in an injury management plan (IMP)

If you have sustained a serious injury which means you can’t return to your pre-injury duties within 7 days, the insurer has a responsibility to develop and implement an Injury Management Plan (IMP). The IMP will outline how services and employment will be coordinated and provided to achieve the best outcome for you.

The plan outlines how treatment will be made available for you and can include workplace rehabilitation. The Workers Compensation legislation requires all parties to comply with the IMP so it’s important that you get involved with the Workers Health Centre who will work with your employer, insurer and nominated treating doctor to develop an agreed plan.

1. Initial Interview

Have a meeting with your case manager to assess your needs and decide on rehabilitation goals.

2. Treating Doctors

The case managers will liaise with your doctor and/or treating health professionals to discuss your current status and develop a realistic goal for your safe return to work.

3. Rehabilitation Program

The case manager will work with your to devise a rehabilitation plan to suit your individual needs. The purpose of the rehabilitation plan is to identify the services and time frames required to assist you in your return to work.

Once your doctor has certified you fit to return to work, the case manager will document a graded return to work plan agreed to by all parties (ie: you, your employer, your doctor and your case manager).

As your condition improves your duties and hours will be upgraded according to the advice of your treating doctor. The case manager will regularly monitor your progress in the workplace. All parties will be kept informed of your progress

4. Case Closure

Once you have reached your fullest potential your case manager will monitor you for one month to ensure your return to work is safe and successful. The case manager will inform all parties of your case closure.