Injury management is key to maintaining a happy, healthy and efficient workplace both for your staff, your business and your clients. Whether you already have a policy in place and you are looking to upgrade your offering, or you are new to the concept and you are hoping to establish a smooth running system that brings you all the benefits you want and need for workplace injury management, understanding just what goes into making a management policy impactful is key. Injury management policies are beneficial for businesses and workplaces of all sizes, no matter your trade or turnover. Keep reading to understand everything you need to know before you embark on your journey to your ideal injury management policy at work:
What is Injury Management Policy?
An injury management plan is a strategy developed with your company and your staff in mind. Its purpose is to identify the involvement of all individuals in assisting in the instance of a workplace injury or illness, with the ultimate goal of helping a healthy and fully recovered return to their usual work. These policies vary from case to case, however, they will traditionally encompass the following:
- An outline of your business’ commitment to the return to work policy that is set in place.
- An action plan mapping out a framework for all parties to engage in.
- The return to work and case of injury policies, which are to be broken down into digestible and comprehensible information for the staff to understand and use when appropriate.
- For some companies, an official translation of the injury management policy which can be used in a court of law.
- A reference guide for staff which can be accessed at any time needed.
- A clarification and understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the injury management policy pertaining to both the members of staff and the employers.
- A readily accessible account of a company’s performance in relation to the goals stated in the injury management policy.
An injury management policy should include a commitment statement which relates to ongoing workplace injury management which has been signed by a senior individual in the workplace. This signed document should clearly outline the business’ policies and procedures which have been created and committed to. This can include a brief description of the roles and responsibilities of the company at large as well as key stakeholders. Instructions for healthy workplace rehabilitation, documented actions and procedures which guide the action plan in the case of injury and recognition of the ongoing nature of the policy should also be included in the signed document.
Injury Management with Logic Health
Logic Health provides a range of powerful services to help support your injury management policy. This includes a dedicated injury management hotline for businesses and employees, fitness for work assessment, case management support and a network of supportive health professionals conveniently located across the country to assist in any testing or recovery services needed or requested by your business or the employee in question.
What are the key components of an injury management policy?
These are the key components that will come together to create a robust and effective injury management policy for your business:
Injury Management
The injury management component will map out the processes involved in managing the case of injuries at work. These will include what early intervention looks like for your business, reporting procedures, timeframes, contact guidelines and principles. It can also include a breakdown of the return to work process and duties depending on the role and individual at hand. It can also describe any key stakeholders as well as the injured member of staff in question and their direct superior as well as department. This section should describe the components of the return to work plan which may also encompass advice, treatments and short term role restrictions.
Co-workers and Co-worker Support
Nominating co-workers for both support and cooperation is key to a successful return to work plan and this is something that can be mentioned in the injury management policy. Certain behaviours, actions or tasks can be advised so as to best assist the injured employee in their return to work plan, with the injured individual and support the individual’s permission.
Return To Work and Normal Duties
When returning to work following an injury, each individual will typically follow their own time frame – short periods of time are usually expected. There should be, however, an agreement from both the business and the employee to commit to flexible timelines and ongoing support in their return to work.
Confidentiality
The policy should address employee confidentiality issues, along with an understanding that a printed and digital copy of the file should be kept on hand by both parties. Return to work restrictions and duties are not confidential matters, but it is always best that they are dealt with respectfully for all individuals involved, and for the business at large.
Employee Notification
The policy should include a statement of intent to inform the employee well ahead of time regarding anything that might occur with or in relation to their claim. This can include shifts in rate of pay, employee involvement in the return to work plan, any positive influences the business can make on their recovery as well as any workplace relations that can contribute to their ongoing support and ultimately their successful return to health and full productivity.
Standardised documents
To improve efficiency and make sure that all parties are in full understanding of the arrangement in place, standardised documents can be a useful component of a return to work plan. These can include the plan itself, doctor’s letters, correspondance or notes, employee letters, a job demand analysis or job descriptions.
Contact Logic Health to bolster your injury management policy and create a safer, more supportive environment in your business today.