WORKPLACE REHABILITATION POLICY

 

Approving Authority:	Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration)
Approval Date:	19 June 2009
Approved Document No:
Review Date:	2012
Policy Adviser:	For advice on this policy, contact your Group HR Staff

 

Description of the Policy:

This document outlines the University's approach to providing workplace rehabilitation for injured and ill staff members.

 

Related Policies, Procedures & Forms:

Griffith University Health and Safety Policy

Reporting and Recording of Work-Caused Injury, Illness and Occurrences Procedures

Workers' Compensation Policy

Staff Counselling Services Policy

Grievance Resolution Procedure

Inclusive Practices for People with Disabilities Policy

Griffith University Privacy Plan

 

Links to external documents

Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991

Queensland Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995

Workplace Relations Act 1996

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2003

 

This document is available in Word format for downloading.  Click here to download this document. 

 

[Introduction] [Scope] [Application] [Delegated Authorities]

1.0        Introduction

Griffith University is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace. However, in the event of work-related injury/illness, the University is committed to providing workplace rehabilitation to support staff members' early and safe return to work. In cases of non work-related injury/illness, workplace rehabilitation may be provided at the discretion of management.

 

The University recognises the many benefits of rehabilitation for injured/ill staff members, including faster recovery, reduced suffering, and improved job and financial security; as well as benefits to the University, including retention of skilled staff members, increased productivity, positive staff morale and reduced workers' compensation costs.

2.0        Scope

For staff members with work-related injury/illness, this policy applies to 'workers', as defined by the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, employed under a contract of service within Griffith University. For non work-related injury or illness the policy applies to continuing staff and fixed term staff members within the fixed term period.

3.0        Application

For staff members who have sustained a work-related injury/illness the University will provide workplace rehabilitation in accordance with the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and Regulation. In cases of non work-related injury/illness, workplace rehabilitation may be provided to staff members at the discretion of University management.

 

The goal of workplace rehabilitation is the earliest possible safe return to work of an injured/ill staff member to their pre-injury/illness position.

 

3.1.        Aim of the Policy

The aim of this Policy is to ensure:

·  a culture of acceptance for workplace rehabilitation;

·  a framework to conduct workplace rehabilitation for injured/ill staff members;

·  effective workplace rehabilitation in consultation with the rehabilitation team;

·  confidentiality of medical and rehabilitation information is maintained

 

3.2.        Responsibilities of the University

For staff members injured at work, the University will:

·                promptly administer workers' compensation claims in accordance with legislation;

·                take all reasonable steps to provide staff members with rehabilitation or suitable duties as soon as practicable following injury/illness;

·                develop suitable duties plans in consultation with the treating medical practitioner, staff member's supervisor and key parties;

·                consider opportunity for reasonable adjustment through alternative placement, where a staff member has concluded workplace rehabilitation and is unable to return to their substantive duties.

 

3.3.        Responsibilities of the injured/ill staff member

Staff members injured at work will:

·                report workplace incidents, injuries or illnesses according to the Reporting and Recording of Work Caused Injury, Illness and Occurrences Procedures;

·                notify their supervisor of work absences due to injury/illness and provide a medical certificate;

·                where applicable, apply for workers' compensation according to workers' compensation procedures;

·                participate in workplace rehabilitation as soon as practicable after injury/illness, with the goal of resuming pre-injury/illness duties as soon as possible.

 

4.0        Delegated Authorities

 

·                The Head of Element may approve:

-        limited medical and rehabilitation costs until WorkCover Queensland accepts a claim.

-        other necessary and reasonable costs associated with the rehabilitation plan, e.g. equipment or training.

-        costs associated with providing a rehabilitation program for a staff member's non work-related injury/illness.

 

·                The Director, Office of Human Resource Management approves alternative placement when the staff member is transferred across relevant Deputy Vice Chancellor or Pro -Vice Chancellor groupings.

 

·                The relevant Deputy Vice Chancellor or Pro Vice Chancellor approves permanent alternative placement within their own area.

 

·              The Vice Chancellor:

-        has the final decision on matters of dispute in the process for alternative placement;

-        may approve, after a period of 12 months, termination of employment if the staff member cannot return to pre-injury/illness duties and cannot be placed in suitable alternative employment.