The role of your patient following a work related injury

Your patient’s focus should be on recovery and, where possible, staying at work in some capacity or returning to work as soon as possible

Under workers compensation legislation, your patient must:

  • Notify their employer of the injury as soon as possible.
  • Participate and co-operate in the establishment and development of an injury management plan.
  • Nominate a treating doctor (NTD) to treat them and participate in the development of the injury management plan.
  • Authorise the NTD to provide relevant information to the insurer and employer.
  • Co-operate fully with the insurer in respect of the claim and comply with any reasonable request to provide information.
  • Obtain certificates of capacity from the NTD if totally or partially incapacitated for work as a result of the injury.
  • A copy of the certificate of capacity must be provided to the insurer and, where relevant, the employer.
  • Make reasonable efforts to return to work in suitable or pre-injury employment where they have the capacity to do so.
  • Where your patient is unable to return to pre-injury duties or suitable duties with their employer, they must seek suitable work with another employer.   

To assist in the recovery process your patient should also:

  • Report any issues with the injury management plan or suitable work immediately to the insurer, NTD, employer or workplace rehabilitation provider.
  • Attend and actively participate in all appointments with medical practitioners, treatment providers and workplace rehabilitation providers.
  • Keep in touch. Regularly speak with people involved with their recovery, informing them of progress and any changes in capacity.
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