Supporting return to work after injury

Why this is important

After a worker has been injured in a workplace, their return to work needs to be managed appropriately to support their long-term recovery.

Employers must help their workers return to work after an accident, injury or illness, or to stay at home while they recover. WorkCover is a compulsory insurance scheme that provides financial support and rehabilitation services for injured workers. WorkSafe Victoria regulates WorkCover.

Return to work success rates in Victoria have been mixed.

In 2024, the government made several changes to WorkCover and established Return to Work Victoria (as part of WorkSafe Victoria) to support people to return to work and prevent accidents. WorkSafe Victoria has set a target to improve the rate of people returning to work after injuries by 10 per cent. 

Return to work programs need to be effective to best support Victorians who have been in workplace accidents, their families and the broader economy.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if return to work programs are meeting targets and improving outcomes for workers injured in workplace accidents. 

Who we plan to examine

WorkSafe Victoria and its commercial agents (associated entities)