Rehabilitation providers

Vocational rehabilitation providers must be approved by NT WorkSafe in order to provide vocational rehabilitation services for injured workers for the purposes of the Return to Work Act 1986 (the Act).

NT WorkSafe have adopted the Head of Workers’ Compensation Authorities (HWCA): Principles of Practice for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers subject to any amendments made by the Northern Territory Guidelines for approval as an accredited vocational rehabilitation provider (the Guidelines) for the purpose of accrediting vocational rehabilitation providers pursuant to section 50 the Act.

Vocational rehabilitation providers accredited in another jurisdiction are considered to be an accredited vocational rehabilitation provider for the Act if they provide services to a Northern Territory injured worker in the jurisdiction where they received their accreditation.

The primary focus of the injury management process is the involvement of three key parties (the employer, injured worker and nominated treating medical professional) in the management of the injury from the time the injury occurred to the return to work or settlement of a claim.

An approved vocational rehabilitation provider provides, for an injured worker, an independent party to liaise and negotiate with everyone involved in the worker’s rehabilitation.

Health benefits of good work (HBGW)

Health benefits of good work is based on the principals that:

• work is generally good for mental and physical health and wellbeing
• work can help in the recovery from injury or illness
• good outcomes are more likely when individuals understand the health benefits of good work and are empowered to take responsibility for their own situation
• an early, supported return to work can reduce the risk of longer term disability

NT WorkSafe is a signatory to the consensus statement, Realising the Health Benefits of Good Work, introduced by the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM).

The paper highlights the longer someone is off work the less likely they are to return. Providing suitable duties will help the worker recover at work while reducing disruption to their life and disruption to the business.

Video Resources

The below videos have been developed to give helpful information about workers compensation:

• Case conferences
• Role of the rehabilitation provider
• Returning to work – Guide for employers
• Returning to work – Guide for workers

Approved Vocational Rehabilitation Providers in the Northern Territory