R2. Rehabilitation and Workers Compensation

R2.1 Introduction
R2.2 Standard
R2.3 Procedures
   R2.3.1 Definitions
   R2.3.2 Duties and procedures in relation to workplace incident or injury
   R2.3.3 Training

R2.1 Introduction

Policy reference number	R2 Rehabilitation and Workers Compensation
Scope and application	Applicable to all University of Southern Queensland employees under a contract of employment including casual employees as defined by relevant legislation. The University of Southern Queensland recognises that there are substantial benefits to be gained from rehabilitation principles and practices and is committed to implementing them at this workplace. Experience has shown that workplace rehabilitation assists the healing process and helps restore the worker's normal function sooner. Workplace rehabilitation includes early provision of timely and adequate services, including suitable duties programs, and aims to: to maintain injured or ill workers at work, or to ensure the worker's earliest possible return to work, or to maximise the worker's independent functioning if return to work is precluded. This policy has been developed as a joint worker-management agreement. The University of Southern Queensland is committed to: Providing a safe and healthy work environment, but in the event of an injury or an illness, making sure workplace rehabilitation is started as soon as possible in accordance with medical advice. Ensuring appropriate suitable duties are made available to injured or ill workers to facilitate their safe and early return to work. These duties must be medically approved and will be time limited. Respecting the confidential nature of medical information and ensuring there will be both verbal and written confidentiality. Ensuring all workers are aware that, in the event of injury or illness, they will be consulted to develop their rehabilitation plan for a structured a safe return to work that will not disadvantage them. Complying with legislative obligations with respect to the standard of rehabilitation. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation as required. Reviewing this policy and procedures at least every three years to ensure it continues to meet legislative requirements and the needs of all parties. In accordance with the provisions of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, the University of Southern Queensland is committed to supporting and providing opportunities for all employees to participate in workplace rehabilitation in the event of injury or illness. This applies to work and non-work related injury or illness.
HR contacts	Peter Gerussi
Policy type/category	Management
Related legislation/ regulations/guidelines	Worker's' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003
Associated USQ policies	USQ Workplace Health and Safety Procedures Manual
Delegations authority	Delegate	Authority
	Category 4 Delegate or above	Ensure all workers are aware of and follow procedures for workers' compensation and rehabilitation
	Workplace Rehabilitation Coordinator	All administrative and support arrangements
Approval authority	Council for policy statements Vice-Chancellor or General Manager for procedures
Review date/s	The University, in accordance with the relevant legislation, will review this policy and associated procedures every three years. Reviewed June 2007 Endorsed by Executive Workplace Health and Safety Committee July 2007

R2.2 Standard

The University will provide timely and adequate services to assist the injured or ill employee to remain or return to work at the earliest opportunity. In the unlikely event of an employee's injury or illness the University is committed to:

Complying with relevant legislation, with respect to the standard of workplace rehabilitation.
Taking reasonable steps to provide workplace rehabilitation for the period for which the employee is entitled to compensation. Rehabilitation will commence in accordance with medical advice as soon as practicable.
Respecting the confidential nature of medical information.
Ensuring appropriate suitable duties are made available to employees to facilitate their safe and early return to work. Suitable duties will be time limited and medically approved, as required.
Ensuring employee's are aware that they will be consulted in the development of their rehabilitation plan for a safe return to work that will not disadvantage them.
Providing support, as required, to the family, supervisor, manager and co-workers affected by the rehabilitation of the employee.

R2.3 Procedures

R2.3.1 Definitions (Source: Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act (2003))

Injury means a personal injury arising out of, or in the course of, employment if the employment is a significant contributing factor causing the injury. This includes any injury, illness or disease which adversely affects an employee's ability to perform their normal duties.

Workplace Rehabilitation means the process of using the workplace to provide tasks that are specified, controlled, graded and matched to the continuing physical and psychological recovery of an injured employee.

Workplace Rehabilitation Coordinator means a USQ employee designated with the responsibility for co-ordinating the workplace rehabilitation of an injured employee, as approved by Workcover Queensland and the requirements of the relevant legislation. Signed case notes will be documented and statistics will be collated and reviewed.

Workplace Rehabilitation Plan means a written plan of action allowing for a supervised and graduated (where applicable) return to work by the injured employee.

Suitable Duties means specially selected duties at the workplace offering a monitored and graduated (where applicable) return to normal duties. Duties must be matched to the capabilities of the worker, be time limited and regularly upgraded according to the injured employee's level of recovery and consider the restrictions and limitations specified by the treating medical practitioner. It is expected that suitable duties programs will enable the employee to return to the position held prior to injury or illness (where possible).

Compensation means the benefits paid by Workcover Queensland to the injured employee after their Workcover Queensland claim has been successful. An application for compensation must be made within six (6) months of the initial injury and if accepted statutory compensation may include weekly compensation payments (salary), medical expenses, hospitalisation costs, travelling expenses, workplace rehabilitation costs or lump sum compensation.

Workcover means Workcover Queensland and Q-Comp (The Workers' Compensation Regulatory Service of Queensland).

R2.3.2 Duties and procedures in relation to workplace incident or injury

The University requires that all employees take reasonable care in the performance of work activities to prevent injuries to self or others. The University, managers, supervisors and employees have an obligation to report all work related injuries and illnesses.

In the unlikely event of an injury or illness there are specific responsibilities and procedures that must be followed by:

1. The injured or ill employee.
2. The injured or ill employee's supervisor/manager.
3. The Rehabilitation Coordinator.

These procedures are very detailed and are specifically outlined on the USQSafe website. It is important to note the procedures have timeframes that must be complied with.

R2.3.3 Training

USQSafe will be responsible for the education of all managers, supervisors and employees within the University, regarding workplace rehabilitation.