Retraining and/or modifications to a workplace or equipment can assist an injured worker to return to safe and durable work. There is strong evidence that return to work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability and work loss.
Retraining can assist an injured worker to develop new skills and qualifications to keep their job or get a new job. Retraining may involve formal study with TAFE, a university or registered training organisation. Course fees and associated expenses such as stationery, textbooks, travel and accommodation may be covered under this program.
Special equipment and workplace modifications to help an injured worker achieve a safe and durable work return to work or to enable the successful and safe retraining may be covered under this program.
To be considered for retraining and/or funding of equipment or workplace modifications, workers must be receiving, or be eligible to receive, weekly benefits under the Workers Compensation Act 1987.
The provider/return to work coordinator must have determined that retraining, provision of equipment and/or workplace modification is a suitable strategy to assist the worker return to work based on the specific principles in the Retraining, equipment and workplace modification guideline.
Retraining and workplace equipment and modifications expenses are assessed on the basis of the application.
Retraining expenses
The following retraining expenses may be considered for approval:
- compulsory course-related fees
- textbook and stationery expenses
- travel – private or public transport expenses
- accommodation – if the worker is required to attend a period of external study
- course equipment – essential equipment the educational institution requires all students to use, or equipment the worker particularly requires to function to mitigate the effects of their injury.
Workplace modifications or equipment expenses
The following modifications or equipment expenses may be considered for approval:
- workplace modifications to mitigate the effects of the worker's injury
- tools of the trade that are essential to secure a specific job.
Further information
The Retraining, equipment and workplace modification guideline provides detailed information on the policies and procedures for sponsorship of retraining and requests for funding of equipment and/or workplace modifications. All submissions must comply with these guidelines.
The Vocational program: details form is used to submit a proposal for endorsement of a vocational program and related expenses.
The Vocational program: extensions/amendment form is used to request an extension to a previously approved vocational program where there is an expectation of future employment and/or changes in the costs associated with the vocational program.
The Vocational program: closure report form is used to notify WorkCover of the outcome of the vocational program.
The Vocational program: claim for payment form is used to claim approved expenses relating to the vocational program.
The EFT payment advice details form allows for expenses and workers compensation payments to be made directly to a nominated account.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about retraining, equipment and workplace modification.