November 27, 2023 • 2 min read
Do I need a rehabilitation provider?
You are an employer or supervisor, and one of your workers has been injured
at work. Now what do you do?
This can be a confusing and challenging time as you try to navigate the workers compensation system.
It's only natural to feel a sense of uncertainty about what steps to take to assist your worker through
their recovery and return to work.
In this article, our aim is to shed light on the pivotal role of a workplace rehabilitation
provider, offering clarity amidst the confusion.
We recognise the importance of your commitment to your team's wellbeing, your injured worker, and the
time restraints on running a successful
business. We would like to empower you with the knowledge and insights on whether you would benefit from
the involvement of a rehabilitation provider.
What is a workplace rehabilitation provider, and what do they do?
A workplace rehabilitation provider offers guidance and support to help the injured
worker and the employer to navigate the recovery process.
They essentially act as a bridge between the employee, healthcare professionals, the insurer and you -
the employer. This ensures everyone is on the same page
and working towards a common goal - the injured worker's wellbeing.
A rehabilitation consultant will be appointed by the workplace rehabilitation provider, who
is normally an experienced Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist,
Psychologist or Rehabilitation Counsellor with extensive medical
and workplace experience.
How can a workplace rehabilitation provider can help you:
- Tailored return to work programs - they will personalise a return to work program to the specific needs and abilities of the injured worker and their work environment, which significantly enhance the chances of a successful and sustainable return to the workplace.
- Communication and coordination - rehabilitation providers facilitate communication between the injured worker, medical professionals, and you (the employer). This ensures that everyone is informed about the progress and any adjustments needed in the return to work plan.
- Navigate the complex workers compensation system - rehabilitation providers are well-versed in its intricacies and can guide you through the process. This assistance can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on providing a supportive environment for your injured worker.
- Faster return to productivity - benefits both the worker, who can resume normal work duties sooner, and the employer, who regains a valuable team member.
- Reduced costs - effective management of the rehabilitation process can lead to cost savings for employers, minimising the impact of workplace injuries on productivity and reduces the overall financial impact on your business.
Essentially, the involvement of a workplace rehabilitation provider is like having a dedicated ally in ensuring the smooth recovery and return to work of your valued employee. Their expertise not only benefits the injured worker but also supports you in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. That’s what they do every single day. And studies show that early referral to a workplace rehabilitation provider gets better results – including higher return to work rates and lower claims costs - especially for moderately complex claims (whether the actual injury is complex or the circumstances).
How do I know whether I need a workplace rehabilitation provider?
Deciding whether you need some assistance in guiding your worker to a sustainable recovery can
sometimes be difficult. The reason is
that people and injuries - whether physical or psychological - are unique, and the circumstances
impacting recovery and return to work can vary.
To help navigate the question of whether you should look to involve a workplace rehabilitation
provider, we have created a simple employer screening tool.
Simply click below - it's anonymous and should take less than a minute to complete.