WorkCover Queensland is introducing a new recovery and return-to-work document aimed at making the claims process simpler and easier to follow for workers, employers and treatment providers — an important update for timber and hardware businesses managing workplace injuries.
From mid-May, the current Rehabilitation and Return to Work (RRTW) plan will be replaced by a new document called the My Recovery Plan.
According to WorkCover Queensland, the new plan has been redesigned to be shorter, easier to read and more focused on clearly outlining the worker’s recovery pathway, return-to-work goals and next steps.
The My Recovery Plan may include:
The updated format is designed to help workers, employers and treating health providers stay aligned throughout the recovery process.
Importantly, WorkCover Queensland says there is no change to worker entitlements or the overall claims process.
When a worker has an accepted claim, WorkCover Queensland develops the plan within 10 business days in consultation with the worker, employer and treating health provider. The plan is then emailed to all parties for review and feedback, with updates able to be made throughout the claim as recovery progresses or circumstances change.
WorkCover Queensland also noted it is required under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 to share the rehabilitation and return-to-work plan, with the document only containing information relevant to the worker’s rehabilitation and return to work.
For timber and hardware merchants, where physical work and manual handling injuries can result in extended recovery periods, having a clear and practical return-to-work plan is critical for supporting injured workers while helping businesses manage safe and sustainable workplace recovery.
