Free Suitable Duties Plan Template
Download our free Suitable Duties Plan Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of Document
Purpose of DocumentSuitable Duties Plan forms are used to outline and manage the duties an injured worker can complete during their recovery (including any rehab or medical treatment requirements). The primary objective is to ensure a safe return to full duties (hopefully!). This form is broadly aligned with AS/NZS 45001:2018.
How to Use
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that may need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
Additionally, there may be several people that are required to fill out this form. These may include, but are not limited to the following:
- The treating medical practitioner or rehab provider who will give their recommendations regarding medical treatment, rehabilitation and work restrictions.
- The Rehab and Return to Work Coordinator (RRTWC) who oversees the filling out of the form and acts as liaison between the parties.
- The injured worker’s supervisor who may need to sign off that they agree to monitor compliance with the suitable duties plan
- The injured worker who may need to sign off that they agree to abide by the restrictions within the plan.
When to Use
Suitable duties plans should be used following an injury or illness where a worker will require ongoing medical assistance, rehab and restricted duties to allow a safe return to work.
Who Should Use
This form can be completed by your RRTWC, Safety Advisor, Project Manager or other Manager in your organization. There may be state-specific legal requirements about the contents of this form and who should sign it.
Legal Considerations
The legal considerations for Suitable Duties Plans are outlined within the Worker’s Compensation and Rehabilitation legislatition, which is unique to each state. At Spire Safety, we are experts in WHS Law, not Worker’s Comp Law. You should seek specialist advice from a Worker’s Comp consultancy if you have questions.
FAQ
What are suitable duties?
Suitable duties refer to tasks or responsibilities assigned to an employee recovering from injury or illness. These duties are tailored to the individual’s abilities, considering their medical condition and pre-injury employment.
What are light duties?
Light duties refer to temporary work assignments that involve less mentally or physically demanding tasks, typically provided to employees recovering from injuries or illnesses.
What is fit for pre-injury duties?
When an individual is deemed fit for “pre-injury duties,” it means they are capable of returning to their job without restrictions, performing tasks similar to those they carried out before the injury.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Suitable Duties (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/book/comparison-workers-compensation-arrangements-australia-and-new-zealand-2021-28th-edition/chapter-6-return-work/table-62c-suitable-duties>
- National Return to Work Strategy (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/workers-compensation/national-return-work-strategy>