Returning to work after an injury? Here’s what you need to know, and how we can help

With the right support, getting back to work after a disability, injury, or health condition can be an important part of your recovery and overall wellbeing.

Whether you plan on returning to your pre-injury employment or are looking for a new job, returning to work can help life feel normal again.

If you have experienced a work-related condition, both you and your employer have responsibilities as you transition back into the workforce.

Managing a disability, injury, or health condition while returning to work can sometimes be challenging. 

However, with the right support, you can feel more confident and improve your work outcomes during this transition.

Benefits of returning to work after an injury

Returning to work can benefit both your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Having a daily structure can bring a sense of routine and purpose back into your life.

Working can improve your financial situation and reduce stress about paying health-related bills.

Staying active physically and mentally, and remaining connected with others, are all crucial factors in maintaining mental health during recovery.

Know your rights and responsibilities

As explained by the Australian Human Rights Commission, it is against the law for an employer to discriminate against an employee due to their disability, injury, or health condition.

This includes refusing to hire you, dismissing you, or treating you differently compared to other employees because of your condition.

If you are injured at work, your employer has legal obligations, such as workers' compensation, holding your job for 12 months and helping you transition to modified duties or providing reasonable adjustments so you can do your job safely.

You also have responsibilities when returning to work.

Generally, you are expected to actively participate in your recovery and return-to-work plan and make reasonable efforts to return to suitable employment when you are able to.

It’s important to seek professional advice to understand your rights and responsibilities during this process.

Planning your return to work

Early planning can make your transition back to work smoother and more successful.

Working closely with your doctor, employer, and other service providers is essential to ensuring a safe return to work.

Start by setting realistic, achievable goals with your support team. Your healthcare team, employer, workplace coordinator, and APM employment consultant can help you develop a step-by-step return-to-work plan.

This plan will detail how you will return to work in a way that accommodates your health needs, current abilities, and challenges, as well as outlining any adjustments or alternative duties required for you to work safely and comfortably.

Some of these changes may be temporary as you recover, while others could be permanent.

Your transition back into work

During your recovery, you may not have the same capacity as before, which may require different working arrangements.

A gradual return to work can help you adjust at your own pace.

Most employers will work with you to find suitable duties, such as reduced hours or taking on different roles until you fully recover.

These transitional changes can help you return to work sooner and positively impact your overall wellbeing.

If you’re unable to return to your pre-injury role or are considering a career change, you may be eligible for employment support to help find suitable work.

APM Employment Services can assist with career planning, finding suitable employment, and building your skills and confidence if you’re returning to work after a long absence.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments can help you manage your health while performing your work tasks safely.

Employers are required to seriously consider all requests for reasonable adjustments in the workplace or work process.

You and your employer may be eligible for funding through the Employment Assistance Fund for certain work-related adjustments.

Reasonable adjustments may include:

• Changes to the work environment to improve accessibility (e.g., moving your workstation or adjusting the layout for wheelchair access)
• Adjustments to your work schedule (e.g., part-time hours or flexible start and finish times)
• Working from home for part or all of the week
• Time off for medical treatments or health appointments
• Reallocation of specific duties to others (e.g., lifting tasks assigned to another worker)
• Special equipment, such as ergonomic desks or adapted keyboards
• Supervision or assistance with daily work tasks when needed
• Changes to the work process, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps or allowing regular breaks throughout the day

Support for returning to work after an injury

With the right support, returning to work after managing a disability, injury, or health condition can be a positive experience.

Knowing when and where to get help can make the transition smoother.

At APM, we help people living with disability, injury, or health conditions find meaningful work and thrive in their roles.

As a national provider of Disability Employment Services, eligible participants can access our employment support at no cost.

When you register with APM, a dedicated employment consultant in your area will work closely with you to create a return-to-work plan that’s right for your health, situation, and goals.

We can help with:

• Workplace accommodations and special equipment
• Workplace assessments
• Access to mental health services
• Finding suitable employment
• Career planning
• Employment skills and work experience

It’s natural to feel daunted about returning to work, but you don’t have to face it alone.

APM is here to support you every step of the way.

Register today to start planning your successful return to work and find out if you’re eligible.

Resources and further reading

• Your rights when you return to work after illness or injury - MyGov
• Return to work information factsheet - Comcare
• Returning to work - NSW Government
• Planning your return to work - Worksafe Victoria

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au