Return to work policy template
Support injured workers back to meaningful employment. Outlines your organisation's commitment to injury management, suitable duties, medical clearances and rehabilitation — aligned with Australian workers compensation requirements.
Return to work policy
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Why return to work policies matter
Under Australian workers compensation law, employers have specific obligations to provide suitable employment to injured workers during their recovery. A documented return to work policy demonstrates your commitment to these requirements.
Early return to safe, suitable duties has been proven to improve recovery outcomes, reduce time off work and lower compensation costs. Research consistently shows that remaining connected to the workplace accelerates healing.
Without a clear policy, you risk non-compliance with workers compensation obligations, increased premiums, and poorer outcomes for injured workers. A structured approach protects both your business and your people.
Key elements of a return to work policy
Essential components for effective injury management
Early intervention
Immediate support and early engagement to maximise recovery outcomes.
Suitable duties
Modified work arrangements that match worker capacity during recovery.
Medical clearances
Framework for obtaining and acting on medical advice and certificates.
Rehabilitation support
Access to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services.
Communication
Regular contact protocols between employer, worker and treating providers.
Progress monitoring
Systematic reviews to track recovery and adjust support as needed.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of return to work requirements
Purpose & scope
Policy objectives and who it applies to.
Early intervention
Prompt reporting, initial response and support for injured workers.
Suitable duties program
Framework for identifying and providing modified work during recovery.
Medical clearances
Requirements for fitness certificates and medical information.
Return to work planning
Development of gradual return to work plans with all parties.
Rehabilitation support
Access to treatment providers and workplace modifications.
Roles & responsibilities
Duties of managers, supervisors, workers and HR.
Communication protocols
Maintaining regular contact and information sharing.
Progress reviews
Scheduled monitoring and plan adjustments.
Compliance with workers comp
Meeting obligations under state/territory workers compensation law.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every Australian employer
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workers compensation and return to work requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Workers compensation law varies by state and territory. You should review and tailor this template to comply with your specific jurisdiction's requirements and seek independent legal or workers compensation specialist advice if needed.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to support injured workers?
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Return to work policy FAQ
- A return to work plan is a documented agreement between the employer, worker, and treating practitioner outlining how an injured worker will return to work. It includes suitable duties, hours, restrictions, and timeframes for progression. See our guide on managing return to work.
- Employers have obligations under workers compensation legislation to provide suitable employment where reasonably practicable. Suitable duties should be meaningful, productive, and within the worker's current capacity as advised by their treating practitioner. Learn more in our guide on managing return to work.
- Workers compensation laws generally protect injured workers from dismissal during their recovery period (often 6-12 months depending on jurisdiction). Termination may be possible after this period if the worker cannot return to their pre-injury role and no suitable alternative exists.
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace hazards, industry requirements, and applicable WHS legislation. Consult with your workers and health and safety representatives during the customisation process.
- Distribute the policy during safety induction for new employees and via toolbox talks or safety meetings for existing staff. Ensure the policy is accessible on noticeboards or your intranet. Using HR software with policy management can track acknowledgements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.