Injuries in the workplace are an unfortunate reality, especially in construction. Sometimes, these injuries can prevent you from continuing in your current role.
Whether you’re currently suffering from an injury or you want to know your options if you do get injured. This article is for you.
At NZES, we often see two types of individuals approaching us after injury. The first group includes those injured on construction sites who cannot return to a physical role due to their injury. This group is looking to transition into office-based roles which utilise their existing skills. The second group comprises those interested in entering construction but require a more sedentary role due to a pre-existing injury.
Construction Estimating and Surveying can provide an ideal solution for both groups. It’s highly paid, not physically demanding, and flexible.
Fortunately, there are programs in place that can help with this transition. Financially and physically.
There are also organisations that can guide you along the way and help with all the other complications that come from these injuries, such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The Back to Work Program
The “Back-to-Work Program” is one of these programs. It’s designed to help individuals who have suffered injuries return to employment. Subject to meeting criteria, this support can be organised through ACC or private insurance providers.
The program provides a custom recovery plan. It aims to either support a return to the individual’s fitness or capacity to undertake their previous role or help them transition to a better-suited career.
For those recovering from injuries, who are unable to return to their pre-injury employment, the Back-to-Work Program is crucial. It not only provides financial and practical support. It also opens the door to alternative, more suitable employment options.
Whether you require support to build your fitness or capacity to return to your pre-injury job or are exploring a new employment pathway, the program offers a structured way to ease back into the workforce and deal with your injuries through the correct channels.
Key Benefits of the Back-to-Work Program
1) Individualised Recovery Support
Personalised recovery plans tailored to each worker’s specific needs and injury circumstances. Whether this involves adjusting tasks and hours in new employment or providing rehabilitation services, it ensures that the recovery plan aligns with the worker’s capabilities.
2) Alternative Employment Opportunities
If returning to the previous job is not feasible. Support may be provided to explore and transition into a new, more suitable role. Ideally, these new roles make use of the experience you have already acquired but in a less physically demanding environment. Leading to less physical strain and demand but equally rewarding careers.
3) Training and Education Support
In some situations, the Back-to-Work Program may also offer financial support for retraining and up-skilling. This could include funding for courses provided by education providers like NZES. Its aim is to help individuals gain new qualifications or skills necessary for their new roles.
How to Get Started and Who Can Help
You can contact ACC or your private insurer directly to request a referral. There are also several professionals, such as Vocational consultants, who can guide you through the process.
Vocational consultants play a key role in assessing your abilities, as well as aiding in the crucial physiotherapy and rehabilitation aspect of injuries. They work closely with ACC or your private insurer to ensure that your recovery is both safe and sustainable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Access the ACC Back-to-Work Program:
1) Contact ACC or Your Private Insurer
- Reach out to your ACC case manager or private insurer
- Explain your situation and interest in the Back-to-Work Program
2) Assessment of Your Needs
- ACC or private insurer case manager may arrange an evaluation of your injury, abilities, and potential work options
- A vocational consultant may assist in determining suitable alternative roles
3) Develop a Personalised Recovery Plan
- ACC can collaborate with you and your employer (if applicable) to create a tailored plan
- This may include adjustments to the current role or exploration of alternative employment
- Following receipt of a referral to a Vocational Provider, the Provider will meet with you to develop a plan that suits your needs. This plan will be delivered to your Case Manager who will discuss the plan with you.
4) Explore Training and Up-Skilling
- ACC or private insurer may provide funding for necessary training and education
- Includes vocational consulting to find what is right for you
- Assistance with enrolling in relevant programs to support career transition into a more suitable role
5) Return to Work or Begin a New Career
- Implement your recovery plan
- Complete any required training or rehabilitation
- Transition back to work or start a new role
Our recommended Vocational Consultants and Physiotherapists
AIM Ltd (Active Intervention Management) – www.aim.net.nz
referrals@aim.net.nz | ph: 027 733 2311
APM – www.apm-nz.co.nz
ph: 0800 967 522
Body In Motion – Waikato / Bay of Plenty – www.bodyinmotion.co.nz
admin@bodyinmotionphysio.co.nz
