Q-Comp, Queensland's Workers Compensation Regulatory Authority has introduced a new service to assist with the rehabilitation of injured workers at risk of long term unemployment.
This free and voluntary service will assist injured workers who may not have a job to return to following a workplace accident. As part of its functions, Return to Work Assist will place injured workers in contact with a network of rehabilitation programs and services as well as assisting the worker to identify realistic work goals.
Injured workers will be referred to Return to Work Assist by the workers compensation insurer, namely WorkCover Queensland or a self insured employer under the Workers Compensation Rehabilitation Act 2003. After the referral has taken place, a return to work manager from Q-Comp will make contact with the injured worker and discuss training options and placement services which are available to them.
This service aims to equip workers with early access to current return to work services that the worker can utilise in order to re-enter the workforce and maintain employment. For employers, this scheme will assist in the reduction of workers' compensation premiums by increasing early return to work outcomes.
Insurers or self-insured employers wishing to refer an injured worker to this scheme can download form 45, Return to work assist referral form, from the QComp website (www.qcomp.com.au). Once completed that form should be emailed to rtwassist@qcomp.com.au.
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