Occupational Rehabilitation Providers List

Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) has a long history of fighting for and defending the rights of all workers in Victoria.

This includes advocating and representing the rights of workers who have been injured in the workplace and are seeking to re-enter the workforce. Having the right occupational rehabilitation provider who prioritises worker wellbeing can be key to a successful transition back in the workforce.

The Providers below have committed to acting consistently with the list of principles and responsibilities we believe protects workers and maximises the potential for a safe return to work.

This list is designed to be consulted by injured workers and their representatives including unions officials, union delegates and HSRs when the intervention of an occupational rehabilitation provider is requested and approved.

VTHC REGISTER OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION PROVIDERS

PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Dignity and Respect: that injured workers are treated with respect and dignity, recognising their individual needs and circumstances. 
• Representation: that in any communication to an injured worker, whether written or verbal, make clear that there is legal right to be “represented, supported and assisted” throughout the return-to-work process. 

• Communication and Collaboration: that there is active consultation and collaboration with the injured worker, and their representative throughout the assessment and return to work process. Clarity should be sought from the injured worker on the type and extent of representation they expect from a Provider. E.g. just in meetings, representative copied in all documentation, communication through representative etc. 

• Confidentiality: that confidentiality of all personal and medical information obtained during the rehabilitation process is maintained, ensuring that it is only shared with relevant parties with the worker's consent or as required by law. Medical information from the worker's medical practitioners must only be obtained with the consent of the worker and limited to the physical and mental capabilities of the worker so as to determine their ability to perform specific job roles or tasks.  

• A Safe Workplace: that health and safety is at the centre of the assessment process to guarantee the highest level of protection to avoid sequelae, new or the aggravation of existing injuries, illnesses, or disease. This includes identifying and ensuring that the hazard or hazards that caused the injury are identified and eliminated or appropriately controlled.  

• Successful Rehabilitation: that RTW planning is developed considering the specific needs, abilities, and goals of each worker. This includes: 

• Assessing job role: assessing the possibility of the worker returning to their pre-injury employment including with reasonable adjustments or modifications; and if this is not possible identifying suitable job roles that align with the worker's abilities; and 

• Plans Drafting: that plans are drafted consistently with any restrictions on a certificate of capacity and injured workers, their representative if any, and treating medical practitioners must be given adequate time to review and comment on any proposed plan prior presenting the draft before implementation. Wherever possible this would include cooperating with the injured worker, their treating medical practitioners and representatives in the design and execution of workplace-based activities. Plans must provide clear, accurate, and current details of the return-to-work arrangements to the injured worker. Wherever possible RTW Plans should be developed based on a recently issued certificate of capacity rather than one about to expire. 

• Regular Review: that the worker's progress in their return-to-work journey is monitored and accurate and comprehensive documentation of the worker's progress maintained. Return to work plans are reviewed as necessary in accordance with these principles. 

• Qualified Consultants: that the Provider will ensure all staff are qualified, meet the professional registration requirements of their professional association to act as occupational rehabilitation consultants and follow the standards and codes relevant to their profession. 

• Ethical Conduct: that the Provider adheres to high ethical standards, acting in the best interests of the injured worker and avoiding any conflicts of interest. Advice will be confined to the contracted role of reviewing injured worker capacity, and wherever possible on how best to facilitate a safe and effective return to work. 

NOTE: That the inclusion on the List is not an endorsement of the providers' services. The list is updated as necessary - the latest amendments were made in July 2024. However, please let us know if you find any errors with the listings (e.g., contact numbers and so on). If you have any concerns that the principles have not been upheld by a listed provider, please contact the OHS team at VTHC.

Last amended July 2024