Last week, the University of Queensland’s Dr Venerina Johnson discussed the importance of the supervisor’s role in achieving a successful return to work, this week its time to examine what suite of strategies supervisors and employers can use to achieve a positive stay at, or prompt return to work.

Based on her preliminary findings, Dr Johnson said that there are particular actions that all supervisors can take to help enable a successful return to work.

“The recovery process starts long before a worker is injured. For example, have clear policies and procedures in place so everyone within the organisation understands their role if and when an injury occurs. The presence of a strong safety culture and a culture of trust – so staff are comfortable reporting incidents, injuries and near misses – is also very important,” Dr Johnston said.

“Early intervention for the injured worker is fundamental. Treatment should occur as soon as the injury is reported. There is often a ‘let’s wait and see’ attitude, but if problems are being experienced while working, then it is useful to take a team approach to determine the possible source of problems.”

Dr Johnston also suggests a risk assessment of the task or a task analysis by a health provider can help trouble shoot solutions to reduce the likelihood of more severe problems in the future.

Other actions research has identified as useful include:

  • Involving the worker in any decisions affecting their daily work – this acknowledges they understand their limitations and the importance of working with the employer for the benefit of both parties. 
  • Organising an ergonomic worksite visit when necessary to ensure the work environment and tasks are within the worker’s capacity. 
  • Ensuring there is someone to coordinate the return to work either onsite or external.

“There is strong evidence – and considerable business experience – that health and safety policies and procedures are cost-effective, and may reduce sickness absence by 20 to 60 per cent.

“Temporary provision of modified work reduces the duration of sickness absence and increases return to work rates and can also reduce costs,” Dr Johnston added.

WorkCover Queensland Customer Services Manager Jane Stevens says providing suitable duties with the aim of supporting the worker to recover at work can reduce the length and cost of a claim.

“If someone has been injured, helping them recover at work, or return to work as soon as possible will have the least impact on the employer’s premium.

“The less time someone is off work, the less WorkCover pays in workers’ compensation claim costs so the less impact it will have on the employer’s premium. Less time off work also reduces disruption to the worker’s personal and work life, fewer disruptions to the workplace and overall productivity,” Ms Stevens said.

In summary, here are Dr Johnston’s tips for supervisors to help them help an injured worker achieve a positive return to work:

  • communicate openly
  • listen to the worker’s concerns
  • understand that despite looking fine they may still be unwell
  • appreciate the individual’s wishes
  • have an open-door policy so the individual can always approach them with any concerns
  • adapt their approach to be more sensitive towards the individual
  • allow them to maintain a certain level of normality
  • respond to their concerns as soon as possible
  • take responsibility for their rehabilitation while working with them
  • acknowledge the impact the injury/illness has on them
  • remain positive with the individual throughout their rehabilitation
  • work with all parties and keep communication regular and honest.

“Be proactive in arranging regular meetings to discuss the individual’s condition and the possible impact on their work,” said added.