The Importance of Injury Management

THe PRInCIPAL OBJeCTIVe OF InJuRY MAnAGeMenT IS TO ReSTORe THe InJuReD eMPLOYee’S HeALTH SO THAT THeY CAn ReTuRn TO THeIR PRe-InJuRY WORK DuTIeS AS SOOn AS POSSIBLe.

This process is managed by the workers compensation and injury management agencies of the various states and territories:

Australian Capital Territory

WorkSafe ACT

New South Wales

State Insurance Regulatory Authority (nSW)

Northern Territory

nT WorkSafe

Norfolk Island

norfolk Island Workers Compensation Agency

Queensland

WorkCover Queensland

South Australia

ReturnToWork SA

Tasmania

WorkCover Tasmania

Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria

Western Australia

WorkCover WA

Injury Management focuses on early treatment, rehabilitation and returnto-work programs being implemented by all parties involved including:  the injured person,  the treating medical practitioner(s),  the insurer, and  any other parties engaged in the rehabilitation process, e.g. physiotherapists.

Why is Injury Management important?

Having an injury at work can be a daunting event and can result in more than just physical injuries. A work injury can trigger anxiety about job and wage security, affect communication with work colleagues and bring about feelings of isolation during the recovery process. Research has shown that the longer a worker is away from work, the longer it can take for them to fully recover and return to their original position, or even return at all. When it comes to work injuries, the stakes are high. That is why having a clearly defined and easy to understand Injury Management process is essential for all electrical contracting businesses.

What to do if an injury has taken place?

When someone has been injured at work, it is important that the injured person receives appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. This may involve first aid and/ or further assistance from a medical practitioner. It is also important to note that there are certain incident types that must be reported to the relevant governing agency in your state or territory (listed above). Make sure you are familiar with the requirements that apply in your local area.

What about Workers Compensation?

After suffering an injury at work, the injured person may be entitled to lodge a Workers Compensation Claim to cover the medical costs incurred during their recovery, including lost wages. Although it isn’t standard practice, an injured person has the right to decide to not to pursue a claim and manage their recovery personally. In this instance, the injured person would complete an indemnity form and liaise with their manager or Human Resources Department to manage any time off work that is required and to discuss any other conditions.

Developing an Injury Management Plan for your business

To successfully manage injuries in your business, it is important to have an established Injury Management Plan. This should be incorporated into your Safety and Health Management System (if your business has one) and include procedures to manage the following:

Providing first aid and/or obtaining medical attention

ensure your workers are aware of how to access first aid and/or medical attention, and who to speak with internally when an injury occurs.

When, and to whom, should injuries be reported to?

As previously mentioned, each state and territory has specific guidelines on what type of injuries must be reported and in what timeframe. A detailed list is available on their websites.

Implementing a Return-to-Work Plan

Developing a Return-to-Work Plan requires input from the treating doctor, medical professionals such as physiotherapists and the provider of suitable/light work duties, where relevant. The plan identifies restrictions, such as hours of work, and physical limitations, such as limited exposure to bending, stretching or reaching. Once approved by the injured person, the plan is forwarded to the provider of light duties so they can ensure the environment for the employee is conducive to their recovery and their reintroduction into the workforce.

The Return-to-Work Plan is reviewed regularly, usually at the injured worker’s medical reviews, and is updated as recovery progresses to the point where they can return to full normal duties.

What are the responsibilities for an Injury Management Coordinator?

An Injury Management Coordinator can help in the management of injury recovery and implement the return-to-work process as follows:  Managing medical appointments and attending the appointments with the injured person, offering support and encouragement.  Obtaining a medical certificate from the medical practitioner that meets the state/territory injury management and workers compensation requirements.

This details the injury diagnosis, the treatment plan, work restrictions, any advice in preparing a Return-to-

Work Plan and the next review date.

 Completing the Workers Compensation paperwork that is required by the company insurer. The insurer must be advised within five working days of an injury taking place (assuming a Workers Compensation

Claim is being lodged).  Developing the

Return-to-Work

Plan based on the instructions provided by the treating medical practitioner and noted on the medical certificate.

 And most importantly, maintaining regular contact with the injured person, to ensure that their recovery is proceeding as expected and provide them with ongoing support and encouragement. The ultimate goal of Injury Management is to get the injured worker back to their original state of health (or as close as is possible) to ensure that they can continue with the same quality-of-life they enjoyed before becoming injured. This may be a slow process, but it is important that both the injured worker and those involved in the Injury Management process, work together to remain committed and positive throughout the employee’s recovery.

Patricia Wilson

OSH Consultant ECA WA www.neca.asn.au/wa

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