Q: I am aware that under the WHS Act a business must have a trained return to work coordinator. However, in Victoria we are still under the OHS Act. Should we have a trained return to work coordinator?

A: The requirement of certain businesses to have a return to work coordinator complies with workers’ compensation legislation (and not the Work Health and Safety Act 2011), which varies across the States and Territories.

In Victoria, the Accident Compensation Act 1985 provides that businesses must nominate a return to work coordinator as part of its return to work obligations. This person must have an appropriate level of seniority and competency in planning the return to work, including knowledge of the employer’s return to work obligations and of the compensation scheme in Victoria.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Workers' compensation for current advice.