Research suggests that the sooner an injured worker can safely return to work, the better.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has released a position statement on the health benefits of work that indicates that work is generally good for health and wellbeing, and long term work absence, work disability and unemployment can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.

The experts say that getting back to work means workers can return to a normal life with less disruption to family, work and social life and improved employment and financial security.

The research also shows that workers who get back to safe work as soon as possible recover more quickly than those who wait until they are fully recovered.

WorkCover Queensland Executive Professional Services Matthew Bannan says he has seen this work in practice in his own claims management experience.

“Seeing a worker return to their job is really rewarding. Workers often talk about how getting back to their normal lives restores their confidence and their positive outlook,” Mr Bannan said.

“We have an opportunity to empower workers and work with them to find a safe pathway back to work, which in turn has an incredible impact on the worker’s morale and the overall workplace culture.

“Feeling welcomed back can be really powerful.”

But the authorities say planning a safe return to work must be a collaboration between the worker, their employer, their treating medical and allied health practitioners and their WorkCover customer advisor, to identify suitable duties and any required modifications to their work.

“One of the key things to remember when planning a return to work is to focus on what the worker can do, not what they can’t do,” Mr Bannan said.

“The work capacity certificate can be completed by doctors in communication with a worker and their employer to determine what a worker can do when they return to their job.”

“Taking a positive approach and working together will help achieve more sustainable return to work outcomes.”