Recovery at work
Know what suitable work is available
A suitable duties register turns vague 'light duties' into a usable inventory of real work. HA maps task demands and possible adjustments so an employer and rehabilitation team can consider options against a worker's current capacity and treating advice.
What the register contains
We document genuine tasks, usual frequency, physical demands, equipment, location, supervision and possible modifications. We can distinguish tasks available now from those requiring planning or training. The register is a planning resource, not a blanket approval for every injured worker.
Support clear recovery planning
A register can help a rehabilitation consultant and employer explore options as capacity changes. The worker’s current treating advice and individual circumstances must guide any proposed duties.
From tasks to a current register
- Map the work. We speak with managers and workers and observe representative tasks where agreed.
- Describe demands. We record the task, duration, physical requirements and conditions that matter.
- Explore adjustments. We identify possible changes to hours, equipment, task sequence or supervision for discussion.
- Use and maintain. The employer and rehabilitation team compare options with current capacity information and review the register as work changes.
Important distinction
The employer identifies and offers available work where reasonably practicable. The treating practitioner describes capacity on the certificate of capacity; a register helps the team discuss a match. It does not allow HA or the employer to medically clear a person for a task.
Further guidance: SIRA employer guidance on suitable work.
Questions employers ask
Can our doctor simply approve the whole register?
The relevant treating practitioner considers an individual worker's current capacity and proposed duties. A task register supplies useful detail; it is not an approval in itself.
When should the register be updated?
Review it when tasks, equipment, locations or work patterns change, and when feedback shows a listed duty is no longer realistic.
How is a register different from an individual recovery plan?
A register describes possible tasks and adjustments across a workplace. An individual plan selects duties for one worker using current capacity information, treating advice and the circumstances at that time.
Do we need to stop work while the register is prepared?
Usually the register can be developed alongside normal operations. We agree which tasks need observation and how to involve supervisors and workers without disrupting essential work.
Keep it useful
Available tasks, equipment and work patterns change. We can discuss review points and how the register connects to workplace rehabilitation and job demand analysis (JDA).