The return to work planning process can be challenging to navigate for the first time, but there are simple things you can do to improve the outcomes for an injured or ill worker.

In partnership with the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), Safe Work Australia has developed a guide and a step-by-step template for developing a successful return to work plan in collaboration with an injured or ill worker. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/developing-return-work-plan-guide-and-template

It provides practical advice on how to support an injured or ill worker as they prepare to return to work, including how to:

• help everyone understand their role and responsibilities
• lead a planning discussion, and
• use the plan to help the worker return and stay at work.

The guide and template is for anyone responsible for developing a return to work plan, particularly those in small and medium businesses.

Although these resources have been designed to meet your obligations wherever you are in Australia, you should always check the requirements in your state or territory.