Employee return after COVID-19 diagnosis Back
By: Pia Duxbury
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​It's a possibility that at some stage, local governments will have employees that have either contracted, or been impacted, by the COVID-19 virus and will want to return to work. Local governments should have appropriate procedures in place to ensure that any employee returning to work is safe to do so, without placing other employees at risk. 

A 'return-to-work' team

Following appropriate clearance for the worker to return to work, a team-based approach should be utilised to plan the return to work, consisting of:

  • Managers (senior and supervisors)
  • IM, HR and /or OSH professionals
  • The worker

The LGIS Injury Management team are available to support your local government with planning a workers return to work. 

The 'return-to-work' process

Return to work policy

Revise or reintroduce your return-to-work policy. Make sure it involves all key stakeholders including management, Human Resources, OSH, and worker representatives.

Regular contact

While workers are off-work, it’s important to keep up regular contact. The contact person and how that contact is made should be specific to the workers’ personal circumstances. For example, consider whether contact from a supervisor would be preferred compared to someone from Human Resources. Workers may prefer face to face (where appropriate), telephone, written or a combination of communication methods

Tailored approach

A risk assessment of the work tasks help identify the changes that might support the returning worker. Being off work may have affected the worker’s physical strength, cognitive abilities (such as concentration) and overall well-being and these factors will need to be taken into consideration.

Return-to-work controls such as a phased return to work, flexible working hours or changes to responsibilities may need to be considered. A written plan agreed with all key parties will help to assure the worker.

Review the plan

Continue to review the plan at regular intervals. As the experience of returning to work develops, there will be strategies identified to help combat any future uncertainties and obstacles. 

The role of professionals

Injury Management, OSH and HR professionals, have a valuable role to play in planning and supporting workers' return to work by:

  • Maintaining confidentiality regarding staff members confirmed to have COVID-19
  • Giving advice on risk assessments
  • Promoting the health benefits of good work
  • Focussing on what the worker can do and finding solutions for barriers that may prevent a return to work
  • Taking the lead in implementing return to work plans.

More information

For further information or support contact Lauren Wojas, Principal Injury Management Consultant on 0427 560 839 or email lauren.wojas@lgiswa.com.au



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