The benefits of a 'suitable duties' plan go beyond just compliance

New legislation has been introduced in Queensland, with WorkCover now able to enforce penalties for employers who fail to comply with obligations regarding ‘suitable duties’.

To help explain what constitutes ‘suitable duties’ and the benefits of having ‘job task analyses’ (or ‘job dictionaries’) in place, we spoke to Accredited Exercise Physiologist and APM WorkCare Queensland Team Manager, Yujin (Jin) Foo.

Mr Foo has nearly 10 years' experience working in occupational rehabilitation settings across metropolitan and regional Queensland.

He’s Comcare accredited, trained in Mental Health First Aid and is responsible for providing training, mentoring, and coaching to junior and senior consultants and students.

He’s proficient in completing assessments and in the provision of evidence-based case management services for clients with physical and/or psychological injuries and illness, plus physical functional capacity assessments, ergonomic assessments, and worksite assessments.

Mr Foo also has a strong focus on quality assurance from previous roles requiring compliance reviews and investigative auditing of services completed.

As a highly skilled and respected thought leader in his field, Mr Foo is well-placed to offer insights into the benefits of complying with regulation.

Quicker rehabilitation means better productivity

Detailed JTA and job dictionaries are beneficial throughout a worker’s employment but are especially helpful when there are workplace injuries.

For example, when an employee needs rehabilitation to return to full capacity and be able to engage in pre-injury duties and hours, a detailed JTA and job dictionary allows organisations to quickly identify suitable duties and significantly speed up the return to work process.

Making sure injured employees return to work in a safe manner, as soon as clinically appropriate, means fewer disruptions to usual business operations, productivity, and revenue.

How have your previous experiences shaped your approach to rehabilitation consulting?

Coming from a culturally diverse background and having had the privilege of working with an extensive range of stakeholders, including civilian and military organisations, government and corporate customers, and many others — I appreciate that varying levels of health literacy, experiences, education and cultural factors all influence how an injured individual navigates the clinical, occupational and psychosocial domains along their recovery pathway.

My experiences have allowed me to take an empathetic and understanding approach when dealing with all stakeholders, not just an injured individual, to achieve an optimal outcome for all involved.

To discuss setting up a suitable duties plan, and for guidance and support to help you meet your obligations, contact us at workcare.customers@apm.net.au or 1300 967 522.

¹ Realising the Health Benefits of Work, 2011 - RACP