Measuring return to work
We are seeking input from stakeholders about how measurement of return to work can be strengthened across the schemes we regulate.
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The Issue
Consultation period: 13/12/2019 5:00 pm to 02/03/2020 5:00 pm
Overview
The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) currently measures return to work (RTW) and is seeking input from stakeholders about how measurement of RTW could be strengthened across the schemes we regulate.
As a result, we have released the Measuring RTW discussion paper which outlines in detail how SIRA currently measures return to work rates – a key metric for system performance.
The impact of delayed return to work on injured people is a serious concern. There is a strong body of empirical evidence that shows the longer an injured worker is away from work, the less likely they are ever to return.
In the New South Wales context, SIRA continually works to understand and monitor RTW performance including the effectiveness of early intervention and longer-term support.
We have identified a trend of deteriorating RTW rates in NSW workers compensation in 2019 when compared with the same reporting periods in 2018, 2017 and 2016.
SIRA will work to develop RTW measures for the CTP scheme and your feedback from our discussion paper will assist this process.
Additional Information
In 2019 SIRA engaged the Social Research Centre (SRC) to undertake an Abridged Return to Work Outcomes Survey. This independent survey used the same methodology used in benchmarking reports published by Safe Work Australia. The SRC has managed the National Return to Work Survey on behalf of Safe Work Australia since 2012.
SIRA also encourages stakeholders to read the National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030 and the National Return to Work Survey commissioned by Safe Work Australia for previous years.
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Milestones
- 13 December 2019: consultation opens
- 2 March 2020: consultation closes