Managing ill and injured workers

Most workplaces need to accommodate ill and injured workers. The risks of failing to do so have vastly increased with the rise of adverse action claims and the inclusion of a positive duty to make reasonable adjustments in Federal (and some State) anti-discrimination legislation. 

Ashurst has been delivering this popular one day workshop for over 15 years.  This program overviews the key areas of legal risk and explores strategies for addressing these risks through the consideration of case studies and practical activities.  

Recommended for: All staff with management and supervisory responsibilities, and their advisors in HR and legal teams

Learning outcomes

At the end of this program, participants will understand: 

1.  The scope and importance of key terminology, including "disability" and "worker"

2.  The main sources of legal protection for workers in this area

3.  The key risk areas where claims may be made, including:

• adverse action
• discrimination
• worker's compensation
• WHS
• bullying
• privacy

4.  A process for assessing fitness for work, including:

• accessing medical information
• challenging absences and medical certificates
• determining inherent requirements of a position and unjustifiable hardship
• managing partially fit workers

5.  Differences in managing employees with work related and non-work related injuries

6.  Some steps to minimise risks when terminating employment of ill and injured workers; and

7.  Issues relating to the use of pro forma documents and templates. 

We can also work with you in advance of any training to conduct a gap analysis and review your policies and procedures. 

Why Ashurst?

Many of our lawyers are experienced trainers with expertise in developing and facilitating informative, practical and interactive training programs. Our lawyers are also clear, concise and engaging seminar presenters.

Organisations that have benefitted from our Client Tailored Workplace Learning options include the Australian Federal Police, Australian Taxation Office, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bank Australia, BOC, David Jones and Country Road Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ipoh, Mitsui, Monash University, Morgan Stanley, Newcrest Mining Limited, Qantas Airways Limited, University of Queensland, Westpac, and Woolworths.