Return to Work Plan Example
Example document for Return to Work Plan. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
Professional Review Recommended
This document may have legal or financial implications. We recommend having a qualified professional review the final version before use.
Document: Return to Work Plan
Example Document
Last updated 7/29/2026
RETURN TO WORK PLAN
Worker Details Name: John Smith Job Title: Qualified Carpenter Date of Injury: 15 March 2024 Date of Return to Work: 1 April 2024 Claim Number: WC-8839201
Plan Details Plan Review Date: 15 April 2024 Supervisor: Mike Jones (Site Manager) Medical Practitioner: Dr. Sarah Lee (Sydney Medical Centre)
Medical Capacity This plan is based on the medical advice provided by Dr. Sarah Lee on 28 March 2024. The current medical capacity indicates the worker can perform light sedentary duties only. No lifting over 5 kilograms. No prolonged standing or sitting. No overhead work. No working at heights.
Proposed Duties The following duties are proposed for the worker during this recovery period:
- General tidying of the site shed and workshop area.
- Ordering and checking off materials deliveries.
- Answering phone calls and updating the daily site diary.
- Assisting with basic tool inventory checks.
Hours of Work Start Time: 7:00 AM Finish Time: 11:00 AM Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Total Hours Per Week: 12
Workplace Modifications List any changes made to the workplace or equipment to assist the worker:
- A chair with lumbar support has been provided for the shed office.
- Materials are delivered to the ground floor to avoid using stairs.
Risks and Controls List specific risks related to the injury and how they are controlled:
- Risk: Aggravation of back injury by lifting heavy tools. Control: John is not permitted to lift toolboxes. He must ask apprentices to move heavy items.
- Risk: Slips or trips while walking on uneven ground. Control: John is to remain in the concrete slab area of the site or inside the shed.
Signatures By signing below, we agree to the details of this Return to Work Plan.
Worker Signature: J. Smith Date: 1/04/2024
Employer/Supervisor Signature: M. Jones Date: 1/04/2024
Notes
This example shows a carpenter returning to light duties after a back injury. The hours are reduced significantly to start. The duties are administrative rather than physical to comply with the no lifting restriction. The plan clearly defines what the worker can and cannot do.
About this Example
Part of the Return to Work Plan document collection
Document Type
Return to Work Plan
A structured plan to help an injured worker recover and get back to work safely. It supports the worker, the employer, and treats the injury as a priority.