What is Return to work assist?

Injured workers in Queensland can access Return to work assist after their workers' compensation claim is closed and they can't return to their pre-injury role.

Benefits for employers

Helping injured workers get back to work has a positive impact on the community's return to work culture. It also positively influences employer premiums by potentially reducing the future economic loss costs on common law claims. You can refer workers to Return to work assist if they are in the process of an employment separation and have had a prior workers' compensation claim in Queensland.

Benefits for workers

Injured workers who participate in the program are coached and supported through the challenges of securing a new career. The program helps injured workers identify career pathways that are compatible with their transferrable skills and personal interests.

How Return to work assist works

Referral to Q-COMP's Return to work assist is mandatory for insurers in Queensland, but participation remains voluntary for injured workers. Once a referral is received a Return to work assist Advisor supports the worker with their return to work through:

Personalised service

Our service delivery is client centred so injured workers are empowered to create their career goals.

Career development

The program helps injured workers identify career goals that are compatible with their transferrable skills and personal interests. This enables them to gain greater

Local knowledge

Advisors have extensive knowledge of their allocated region in Queensland and work closely with local career development and registered training providers.

Return to work

Return to work assist Advisors manage referrals from the start right through to a return to work outcome with follow-up contact occurring to monitor sustainability.

Injured workers can re-engage in the program at any time in the future if further assistance is required.

We believe early involvement in return to work services gives workers a greater chance of gaining employment.

Success stories

Philip injured his right shoulder while working as a process worker. He underwent surgery and was left with a lifting restriction. He was referred to Return to work assist on 19 October 2011 as he was no longer employed when his workers' compensation claim was closed.

His employment options were limited due to his injury and his previous work experience which had been predominantly in labouring and process roles. The option of retraining to obtain a traffic control ticket was discussed and Phil was keen to explore this avenue.

Return to work assist arranged for Phil to undertake a level one traffic control ticket and relevant licence. Phil completed the course on 10 November 2011 and received his licence from the Department of Transport six weeks later.

Return to work assist researched employment options and provided Phil with an employer contact. Phil followed up on this opportunity and was successful in obtaining a full time role as a traffic controller. He commenced work on 13 March 2012 and is enjoying his new career.

Phil plans on completing his level two traffic control ticket in the near future.