Your employer is required to establish a return to work program for you if your doctor indicates on your First or Progress Medical Certificates that you are:

• partially fit to return to work in your usual job, or
• totally or partially fit to return to an alternative job

Your employer must give you the opportunity to participate in the development of the program.

The return to work program must be in writing and include:

• your name and the name of your employer
• a description of the goal for the return to work program
• the actions to be taken to enable you to return to work and who is to take them
• a signed statement as to whether you agree to the content of the program

You are required to participate in the agreed return to work program. If you do not participate, your employer may lodge an application with the Conciliation and Arbitration Services for an order to reduce or even stop your weekly payments.

Workplace rehabilitation

Workplace rehabilitation is a specific service that may assist in helping you stay in, or return to, suitable work.

WorkCover WA approves workplace rehabilitation providers and payment for their services is covered in your entitlements. You should discuss the need for referral to an approved rehabilitation provider with your treating doctor and your employer.

You have the right to choose an Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Provider - see the list of Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Providers (PDF - 100kb).