Safe Work Australia has recently published the results of a study analyzing return to work outcomes and experiences of injured workers across Australia and New Zealand (see link to study below).
For those of us involved in the workers compensation industry the results of the study are probably not surprising, especially as the results relate to what impact the employer has in the success (or otherwise) of any return to work program. The goal of any workers compensation system is for timely, affordable, safe and sustainable return to work for workers whom are unfortunately injured at work. What was clear from the study was that the employer (at several levels – return to work coordinator, supervisors, middle and upper management) has a large impact on the success (or otherwise) and timeliness of an individual’s return to work.
Studies noted in the final report have shown that a worker’s satisfaction with their employer in the return to work process is the single most important factor in the worker’s employment stability and return to work outcomes. Other key outcomes from the study included:
- The workplace at the time of injury
o The study revealed that workers whom were more satisfied with their workplace (such as worker/management support and commitment to WHS, overall job satisfaction, value of their work to others, etc) prior to their injury were more likely to return to work than those with less pre-injury job satisfaction.
- Employer support following an injury
o The study revealed that workers returned to work quicker post injury if their employer supported them with information about their rights and responsibilities as an injured worker; made an effort to find suitable employment options; assisted where possible in their recovery; and treated workers fairly during the claims process.
- Continuing Employer Support
o The study revealed that workers whom received ongoing support and assistance from their employer’s post injury were 7 times more likely to return to work than those worker’s whom felt their employer was no longer providing adequate support.
- Experiences at the workplace when submitting a claim
o The study revealed return to work results were poorest in claims where the worker was discouraged to put in a claim or felt they were treated differently after they had completed the claim.
So what should you do with the results of this study?
As I noted above, for most people working in the industry these results will not be a surprise. However, as WHS managers/advisors and/or Return To Work Coordinators gaining the support of the rest of the business (supervisors, management) can be a challenge when it comes to workers comp and return to work. The results of this report may help provide additional evidence and weight to your strategies that you may be looking to implement within your workplace to improve return to work performance and to gain more support from the various levels of management in the business. Supporting and having positive attitudes and approaches to return to work and workers comp is not just a RTW Coordinator or WHS Managers role, it is the responsibility of all at the workplace from the workers themselves through to upper level management.
For the full study findings please follow the below link:
The National Return To Work Survey
