Content
Workplace Rehabilitation - Managerial Policy
Responsible officer: Vice-Chancellor and President
Designated officer: Director, Human Resources
Approving authority: Vice-Chancellor and President
Approval: Council C97/53
Last amended: C09/79, 8 December 2009
Effective Starting Date: 2 September 1997
Any policies replaced by
this policy:
Policy Number: O23.
Related policies:
Related procedures:
- Workplace Rehabilitation Procedures
Due date for next review: December 2012
Part A: Preliminary
1. Purpose of policy
The following policy articulates the University’s commitment to preventing injury and illness by providing a safe and healthy working environment and providing opportunities for staff to participate in workplace rehabilitation to facilitate a timely and safe return to normal duties.
Workplace rehabilitation provides support to injured or ill staff, supervisors, managers and team members and is a positive strategy for retaining the job skills of staff members.
2. Application of policy
This policy applies to all staff of the University.
Part B: Policy
3. Workplace Rehabilitation
3.1 Workplace rehabilitation is available to all staff, regardless of whether the injury or illness is work related.
3.2 The University will appoint accredited Rehabilitation and Return to Work Co-ordinators, based in Human Resources, to co-ordinate workplace rehabilitation programs.
3.3 Workplace rehabilitation will commence as soon as possible from the time of initial treatment of an injury or illness and will incorporate an accurate medical assessment and advice.
3.4 The University supports a flexible approach to return to work programs so that, where practicable, the rehabilitation needs of the individual can be accommodated. However, return to work goals must be achieved within a realistic time frame, with the aim to return staff to normal duties.
3.5 Rehabilitation and Return to Work Co-ordinators will consult with staff and, where appropriate, treating medical practitioners so that workplace rehabilitation operates effectively and safely.
3.6 Workplace rehabilitation will incorporate a consultative team-based approach with the staff member, cost centre manager and supervisors for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs.
3.7 Staff will not be disadvantaged by participating in a workplace rehabilitation program.
3.8 All workplace rehabilitation programs will be conducted respectfully in relation to confidential medical and rehabilitation information, both verbally and in writing.
3.9 Workers’ compensation related workplace rehabilitation will be undertaken to at least the minimum standards prescribed by legislation.
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