What is a return-to-work assessment?
A return-to-work assessment is an occupational health review carried out when someone is coming back after illness or injury. It answers three practical questions: is the person fit to return, what can they safely do now, and what would help them return successfully? Done well, it protects the employee's recovery, keeps the workplace safe, and helps the employer meet their duty of care — while getting a valued colleague back to work sooner and more sustainably.
What our online support gives you
Fitness opinion
A clear occupational health view on whether, and how, the employee can safely return.
Phased return plan
A staged plan for hours and duties that builds back up as the person recovers.
Reasonable adjustments
Practical, temporary or lasting adjustments to the role, workstation or schedule.
Documented & reviewed
A written plan with review points, so the return is supported and defensible.
How it works — online
Referral
You share the role and the situation; the employee completes a short confidential health questionnaire.
Video assessment
An occupational health expert meets the employee online to assess fitness and what support they need.
Return-to-work plan
You receive a clear plan — fitness, phased return and adjustments — with review points to keep it on track.
Read the full employer guide
Frequently asked questions
What is a return-to-work assessment?
An occupational health review when an employee returns after illness or injury — checking whether they are fit to return, what they can safely do, and what adjustments or phased return would help them come back successfully.
How should employers manage a return to work after illness?
Stay in supportive contact during absence, then use an occupational health assessment to plan the return — often a phased return with temporary adjustments, reviewed as the person recovers. A documented plan protects both recovery and duty of care.
Can a return-to-work assessment be done online?
Yes — assessments, phased return planning and adjustment recommendations are delivered by video consultation with an occupational health expert, so employers anywhere can support staff back to work without an on-site visit.