A good Suitable Duties Plan (SDP) is the cornerstone of a safe, staged return to work. It supports your injured worker’s recovery while helping your business maintain productivity — and it’s a legal requirement under WorkCover QLD.

Here’s how to build one that actually works:

What Is a Suitable Duties Plan?

A Suitable Duties Plan outlines what tasks an injured worker can safely do while recovering. It’s informed by medical advice and designed to:

• Reduce risk of reinjury

• Maintain connection with the workplace

• Help the worker recover faster and more confidently

It must align with the employee’s Work Capacity Certificate and be reviewed regularly.

Step 1: Understand the Worker’s Medical Restrictions

Start with their Work Capacity Certificate, which will list:

• Fitness for work (full/partial/unfit)

• Functional limitations (e.g. no lifting, seated work only)

• Suggested duties or hours

If it’s unclear, talk directly to the treating provider or request a case conference.

Step 2: Match Suitable Tasks Within Your Business

Look across your business and identify low-risk, modified, or alternative duties the worker can perform.

Examples:

• Light admin or inventory checks

• Customer service (non-physical)

• Training or documentation tasks

• Reduced shifts or split duties

Document every proposed task with clear responsibilities and timeframes.

Step 3: Involve the Worker in Planning

A plan that’s created with the worker (not for them) will:

• Increase buy-in

• Reduce stress or resistance

• Improve return-to-work outcomes

Hold a short meeting to review options and discuss what feels realistic for them.

Step 4: Use a Clear, Written Template

Your Suitable Duties Plan should include:

• Worker details

• Diagnosis and restrictions

• Agreed duties and hours

• Review dates and supervisor sign-off

RTW QLD can provide easy-to-use templates and guide you through setup.

Step 5: Monitor Progress and Adjust Weekly

Check in with the worker and treating provider regularly. Are duties still suitable? Is capacity improving? Update the plan as needed.

Ignoring signs of strain or delay can lead to setbacks and claim disputes.

Need help building a plan?

RTW QLD works with employers across Queensland to create clear, compliant, and effective Suitable Duties Plans. We take the guesswork out of return-to-work.