Return to Work Program — Western Australia (Form IM1 / WorkCover WA)

Issuing authority

WorkCover WA

Official source

How to apply

1. Identify the trigger for a return to work program: the treating doctor advises one in writing, the worker's Certificate of Capacity indicates partial incapacity, or an arbitrator determines the worker has a compensable injury with partial incapacity.
2. Download Form IM1 (Return to Work Program) from the WorkCover WA website at https://www.workcover.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Return-to-work-program.docx — this is the CEO-approved form under s. 496 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.
3. Identify all program participants — typically the injured worker, employer (or their insurer/self-insurer), treating medical practitioner, and any rehabilitation provider.
4. Establish the return to work goal: a clear description of what the worker will be doing when they have returned to their best possible work capacity, including work hours and duties.
5. Complete Form IM1 with: participant details, the RTW goal, a description of modified or alternative duties with hours and any restrictions, and specific actions assigned to each party with target dates.
6. Seek the worker's participation and agreement on the program content — employers must actively involve the worker in developing the plan.
7. Implement the program: provide the agreed modified duties, maintain income compensation payments during the program, and act on each listed action within the specified timeframes.
8. Review and update the program when the worker's capacity or medical advice changes — employers must give 28 days written notice before dismissing a worker during the 12-month employment obligation period.
9. Contact WorkCover WA on 1300 794 744 if a dispute arises about the program's content or implementation — WorkCover WA can convene a case conference (Information Sheet 32).

Related topics

Related forms

• Return to Work Plan — Queensland (My Recovery Plan / WorkCover QLD)
• NDIS Access Request
• NDIS Plan Review Request
• NDIS Complaint
• Disability Parking Permit Application