Glossary
Return-to-work plan
A written, dated plan setting out the duties, hours and steps for an injured worker to recover at work.
Also called: RTW plan
Definition
A return-to-work plan is a written document that maps how an injured worker will stay at, or return to, work while they recover. Under the NSW workers compensation scheme it records the worker's current capacity, the suitable duties available, hours, any workplace adjustments, and review dates. It is built from the treating doctor's certificate of capacity and agreed between the worker, the employer and the insurer. The plan is practical and dated, and it is updated each time the worker's capacity changes.
In practice
In a live claim the plan is drafted once capacity is known and revised at each review as the nominated treating doctor updates the certificate of capacity. Nexus coordinates the plan, confirming which suitable duties the employer can offer and keeping the worker, employer and insurer aligned. Nexus does not set medical restrictions; those come from the treating doctor.