Return to work assist update

Return to work assist is a free Q-COMP initiative helping injured workers that have no job to return to access a variety of government funded organisations that can assist with their return to work goals.

These services may include career guidance, resume writing, job preparation, interview techniques, re-training and general support. Participation is voluntary for both insurers and injured workers.

To access our services the injured worker must:

• have had their claim closed or nearing finalisation
• have no job to return to and
• reside in Queensland.

If you're treating an injured worker at risk of not returning to work because of their injury and they fit the above criteria, encourage them to get in contact with one of our Return to work assist advisors.

Return to work assist was launched in September 2008 and is available to injured workers throughout Queensland from both WorkCover Queensland and self-insured employers. At the end of 2009 Return to work assist had received over 400 referrals.

We have had positive outcomes for many of our customers including 141 of those referred to the program returning back to work. Results show that 24% were not able to actively seek employment for a variety of reasons however these workers were provided with the support that linked them to providers who gave them the option of returning to a program if, and when, they have a capacity for employment. Another interesting outcome was that a small percentage of our customers chose to return to full time study and less than 3% of our customers have withdrawn from our program. Workers who are still in the program are receiving re-training or are being linked with appropriate service providers depending on their needs. These results are significant for Queensland given potentially none of these injured workers would have returned to any form of work.

Find out how you can refer an injured worker who may benefit from Return to work assist at qcomp.com.au.

For more details, you can also contact Return to work assist and Awards Manager, Sonia Minniecon on 07 3020 6417.