In June 2008, the South Australian Parliament passed some significant legislative changes to the WorkCover Scheme. One of the changes is the introduction of properly-trained rehabilitation and return to work coordinators who will be required in workplaces with 30 or more employees.
A rehabilitation and return to work coordinator (a coordinator) focuses on and coordinates rehabilitation and return to work efforts in the workplace. Early intervention at the workplace reduces lost-time claims and overall claims costs, and has a big impact on reducing long-term claims.
This change becomes effective for workplaces with 30 or more employees from 1 January 2009, although an employer has until 30 June 2009 for their coordinator to be appointed and do the required training.
WorkCover have published a manual All you need to know about rehabilitation and return to work coordinators which outlines exactly what the new legislation is requiring from employers.
If you are a coordinator, it is designed to help you prepare for when a worker is injured in your workplace, and to understand what is required of you in your role as coordinator.
A rehabilitation and return to work coordinator is required to undertake training to perform their role, click here to view training requirements and a list of approved training providers.
Further information
Download factsheet: Rehabilitation and return to work coordinators - What employers need to know
Download factsheet: Rehabilitation and return to work coordinators - Registered training providers
Download manual: All you need to know about rehabilitation and return to work coordinators
Download guidelines: Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator training and operational guidelines
Download matrix: Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator roles and responsibilities
Application for Group Exemption
Nomination form for rehabilitation and return to work coordinators
View Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator FAQs
Contact the Return to work inspectorate and support unit.
Helpful links