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March 01, 2024 • 3 min read
Workplace Rehabilitation Providers: What Exactly Do They Do?
You probably already know that a workplace rehabilitation provider, well, provides workplace rehab services. But what does that actually mean? Keep reading to get a crash course understanding of the work we do and why we do it.
Simply put, a workplace rehab provider is a provider of essential work rehab services that an injured worker needs in order to recover and return to work. Understanding what workplace rehabilitation providers do can not only assist employers and employees in navigating the recovery process more effectively, it can also secure better workplace recovery outcomes for everyone.
What Do Workplace Rehabilitation Providers Do?
Workplace rehabilitation providers are skilled at addressing risk factors that might hinder a worker’s recovery and ability to return to work. Their scope of work can include:
- Managing complex injuries
- Managing communication breakdowns
- Identifying suitable work based on the worker’s capacity
The workplace rehabilitation provider will appoint a rehabilitation consultant to work consultatively with the worker and their support team (the employer, doctor, and insurer) to obtain positive recovery results. Examples of rehab consultants are:
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
- Psychologist
- Exercise physiologist
AusRehab’s highly qualified rehabilitation consultants have extensive experience in addressing a diversity of rehabilitation needs. Choosing us ensures you receive prompt and direct access to the professional care you require.
Services Offered by Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
Work rehab providers aim to help employees recover at work, which is beneficial for both the worker and the employer in several ways.
For Employees:
- Reduced Pain: An effective recovery program significantly shortens the amount of time spent in pain and discomfort.
- Restored Productivity: Workplace rehabilitation expedites the worker’s return to productive work, whilst also minimising disruption to family and social commitments.
- Job and Financial Security: A quick and successful recovery safeguards against risk of unemployment and eases financial stress or burden.
- Enhanced Mental Well-being: Improved physical condition can boost one’s confidence, self-esteem and overall outlook in life.
For Employers:
- Employee Retention: Rehabilitating injured employees helps retain skilled workers. This not only bolsters employee retention rate, but also reduces rehiring and training costs and promotes a culture of care.
- Lower Healthcare Costs: Getting employees back to work in a timely manner reduces staff replacement costs and premiums.
- Improved Staff Morale: Prioritising workplace rehabilitation fosters a safe and supportive work environment that makes workers feel valued.
A workplace rehabilitation provider is therefore key to ensuring an injured worker remains supported through recovery and is able to resume pre-injury duties in a safe and timely manner.
The Importance of Recovery at Work
The range of services offered by a workplace rehabilitation provider includes:
- Educational Services: Educating workers and employers about the benefits of returning to work, as well as how to accommodate injury and disability in the work setting.
- Assessment Services: Assessing the employee’s health and ability to perform work-related tasks safely.
- Workplace Modifications: Providing recommendations on workplace support (e.g suggesting ways to reduce work demands, identifying suitable work to support recovery, mitigating barriers that hamper recovery, etc).
- Recovery Plans: Setting recovery goals and implementing a rehabilitation program tailored to both the worker’s and employer’s needs.
Should the worker be unable to return to their pre-injury employer, providers also help with finding work elsewhere through vocational assessment and the provision of job seeking assistance.
Engaging a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider
A workplace rehabilitation provider can be engaged by any party involved in the claim. The process for engaging a provider typically involves:
- Consultation and Selection: While the provider is usually selected by the employer, insurer or even doctor, the worker has a say in the final decision. If a provider is strongly recommended, this should be discussed with the worker beforehand.
- Service Costs: These are covered by the insurer and will be recorded as a claims cost.
Upon engagement, the provider will liaise with all parties to arrange meetings and discuss needs.
If an engaged provider is later deemed to be unsuitable, the worker can request to change to a more appropriate provider.
Meeting Your Provider for the First Time
Your work rehab provider is likely the best person to direct all your work rehab-related queries to, including questions like:
- How often will we communicate?
- What services are you providing?
- What is the estimated length of time needed to achieve the agreed recovery goals?
Additionally, supply your provider with the following information where possible:
- A detailed description of the pre-injury role
- A list of suitable short-term work options
- Any existing recovery or return to work (RTW) plans
Such information will help the provider develop a more comprehensive and suitable rehabilitation program.
Why Choose AusRehab?
It is important to choose a workplace rehabilitation provider that meets your needs and supports you every step of the way.
Here at AusRehab, we have a team of dedicated health professionals who are ready to assist you with a successful recovery journey. We take the time to understand every case presented to us and deliver customised solutions. Our communicative approach ensures transparency and accountability, as we work to achieve positive results for both the employee and employer.
Come speak to us to find out how we can support you in your workplace rehabilitation journey today.
*The details in this article were correct and current when it was written. However, changes in business practices, policies, and other pertinent areas may have occurred since then. Readers should confirm the current validity of the content on their own.
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