SIRA’s 3 Year Return to Work Roadmap
What It Means for Employers and How It Impacts Your Workplace
SIRA (the State Insurance Regulatory Authority of NSW) has released a new three‑year Return to Work Roadmap (2026–2028) aimed at helping injured workers recover and return to work sooner, more safely, and more sustainably.
Why Has SIRA Introduced This Plan?
Return to work outcomes across NSW have declined over several years. More workers are staying off work for longer, which affects:
Worker health and recovery
Business productivity and staffing
Workers compensation claim durations and costs
SIRA’s data shows that the longer someone is away from work, the less likely they are to return at all. Early support and safe work participation are critical to successful recovery.
The new plan is designed to address this by focusing earlier, acting sooner, and keeping people connected to work where it is safe to do so.
What Is the Return to Work Roadmap?
The Return to Work Roadmap 2026–28 is SIRA’s three‑year plan to improve the way workplace injuries and recoveries are managed across NSW.
It sets clear expectations for:
Employers
Insurers
Health and rehabilitation providers
The Four Key Focus Areas
1. Earlier, More Supportive Action - SIRA is placing strong emphasis on what happens in the first four weeks after an injury.
This includes:
Early contact with the injured worker
Clear reassurance and support
Identifying risks to delayed recovery early
Early action reduces long‑term injury risk and improves trust and engagement.
2. Less Red Tape, More Practical Support - The plan aims to cut unnecessary delays and administration so everyone can focus on helping the worker recover rather than managing paperwork.
Faster decisions = faster recovery.
3. Stronger Employer Involvement - Employers play a central role in successful return to work.
SIRA expects employers to:
Maintain contact with injured workers
Offer suitable duties where reasonably practicable
Support recovery at work rather than waiting for “full fitness”
Even small businesses are expected to participate, with guidance and support available.
4. Better Support for Complex and Psychological Injuries - Psychological injury claims tend to last longer and are more complex.
The plan focuses on:
Earlier identification of psychological risk factors
Work‑focused, goal‑oriented recovery
Stronger coordination between employers, insurers and providers
Safe connection to work is recognised as a key protective factor for mental health.
What This Means for Employers
The Roadmap is a clear signal that sound return to work practices are a regulatory priority.
Employers should:
Act early following an injury
Keep communication open and supportive
Provide suitable duties where possible
Ensure RTW procedures and programs are current and followed
Engage rehabilitation and injury management support early
Businesses that do this well typically see:
Shorter claims
Lower costs
Better worker outcomes
Stronger workplace culture
What You Can Do Now
You don’t need to wait for a claim to arise. Practical steps include:
Reviewing your Return to Work Program
Training managers on early contact and supportive conversations
Identifying meaningful suitable duties in advance
Using ergonomic and injury‑prevention strategies to reduce risk
Engaging professional RTW or rehabilitation support early
Get in touch
Caliso Workplace Health supports employers by:
Helping you align with SIRA’s expectations
Providing early intervention and RTW support
Assisting with complex or psychological claims
Improving sustainable return to work outcomes
If you’d like help understanding how the Roadmap applies to your business, or want to strengthen your return to work practices, we’re here to help.
Call us or email for more information
