Supervisors role and responsibilities

For any injury which results in an absence from work:

• Ensure that the employee completes a Worker Report Form and send it to the Rehabilitation Case Manager, Human Resources Division.
• Ensure the appropriate leave forms are forwarded to the Payroll Services section, Human Resources Division.
• Contact the Rehabilitation Case Manager within 3 days of the injury.
• Keep copies of the Accident/Incident report card and all medical certificates.
• Maintain contact with the injured employee whether at work, home or hospital.
• Assist the Rehabilitation Case Manager in development and implementation of an appropriate and safe return to work program with regard to relevant medical restrictions.
• Be aware that if you are unable to provide suitable employment in your area the Rehabilitation Case Manager will provide appropriate work in an alternative area and the salary cost for the injured employee will be a cost to the original area of employment.
• Monitor the injured employee's capabilities within the itemised work restrictions.
• Provide regular feedback to the Rehabilitation Case Manager on progress and problems.
• Discuss with the injured employee and the Rehabilitation Case Manager, the injured employee's duration of employment in the work area, level of competency, attitude to work and any problems with interactions between the supervisor and the injured employee.
• Provide support and assistance to the injured employee upon return to work.
• Take action where appropriate to prevent recurrence of injury.

There are established mechanisms to ensure accountability of supervisors. For instance, academic staff are accountable to the Vice-Chancellor and general staff are accountable to the Executive Director of Administration.

In the event of a rehabilitation outcome being placed in jeopardy by the action or in-action of a supervisor, the Rehabilitation Case Manager will discuss the matter with the supervisor and with the Head, OH&S Unit and the Executive Director of Administration. The appropriate accountability procedures would then be followed if warranted.

To the extent that it is within their ability to ensure the good outcome of a rehabilitation program managers will be held accountable.

Last revised: 24 January 2007