Legislation changes for Return to work assist

Recent legislative amendments to s220 of Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 mean that for every claim that is closed and a worker is unable to return to their same position, they must be referred to our Return to work assist program.

Currently Return to work assist is averaging 50 referrals per month, however, with these legislative changes, referrals are likely to rise to over 400 per month. To prepare our programme for this increase, we're currently reviewing our resource modelling and developing products that are able to be incorporated into a higher volume environment.

In addition we are developing a monitoring system that will keep track of those who participate in our programmes so that any queries can be answered in the event the injured worker decides to bring a common law claim.

Return to work assist is a free service for injured workers in Queensland who have no job to return to after a work related injury. Since implementation in 2008, the program has continued to grow and we have received 757 referrals to date with 46% of injured workers referred returning to work, 41 being linked to appropriate providers for ongoing assistance and 15 returning to full time study.

Return to work assist is well on its way to becoming part of the language of workers' compensation in Queensland and the Return to work assist team remain committed to giving injured workers the best opportunity to return to a happy, safe and rewarding role in the workforce.

Referral is simple, you can complete a form on-line or email our referral form to rtwassist@qcomp.com.au

If any further information is required please don't hesitate to contact Sonia Minniecon, Manager Return to work assist and Awards Unit on 07 3020 6417.