Injury Management

What is Injury Management?

Injury Management refers to the process of returning injured employees back to the workplace and to full rehabilitation following a work related injury. Evidence clearly indicates that the earlier injured workers have access to appropriate health professionals, and the sooner they return to some form of work, the better the outcome for both the worker and for the employer.

This is why WCMS focuses on early intervention models for managing injuries. We aim to control an injury from the outset, driving outcomes through the guidance and support of all parties involved in the injury management process.

A major cost for employers is lost time through injured workers, which in turn leads to increased premium charges. The cost for the injured worker is delay in regaining fitness and loss of earning capacity.

WCMS’ services reduce lost time and achieve the best possible outcome for all parties involved. We utilise a number of evidence based techniques including:

Treating Doctor Case Conferencing

Case conferencing has the express purpose of seeking agreement from the treating doctor to upgrade the capacity of the injured worker to perform duties, or increase their return to work hours.

A case conference is also an excellent way to confirm an appropriate return to work goal with the doctor and patient together.

Developing and Upgrading Return to Work Plans

If an injured worker is due to return to work or upgrade their suitable duty programme, they will need a Return to Work Plan which sets out the new duties, hours to be worked and any physical restrictions that will apply. The Plan needs to be agreed by the worker’s nominated treating doctor. At WCMS, we are experts at return to work coordination, dealing with treating doctors and developing return to work plans.

Assistance with coordination and management of care providers

WCMS coordinates and manages the activities of any care providers involved in the project, ensuring that all parties work together to achieve an agreed recovery goal. This is crucial to a timely return to work.