Safety and Rehabilitation Policy

The Directorate of Safety & Rehabilitation Policy (DSRP) is responsible for the related functions of safety, rehabilitation and compensation policy within the Occupational Health and Safety Branch, People Strategies and Policy Group.

The Directorate manages the development, promulgation and review of Defence OHS and Rehabilitation policy for Services and Groups within the Department, to assist them in meeting legislative requirements and achieving Defence OHS Strategy objectives.

Primary responsibilities undertaken by this Directorate include:

• Manage and develop OHS, rehabilitation, return to work and compensation policy,
• Development of absence management and injury prevention strategies and associated guidance material for APS personnel,
• Manage the business relationship with Comcare - includes workers’ compensation premium management and OHS regulatory arrangements,
• Preparation and coordination of Ministerial representations and briefs on military and civilian rehabilitation and compensation scheme arrangements,
• Secretariat support to Defence’s senior representatives on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.

Safety

Commonwealth occupational health and safety legislation provides a framework for health and safety management in Defence workplaces and flexibility in the management of hazards.

The primary source for strategic safety policy in the Defence organisation is the Defence Safety Manual, which provides relevant instructions, guidance and safety management procedures to support the implementation of Defence wide safety management systems.

Rehabilitation - APS

The Defence Civilian Injury/Illness Prevention and Management System (DCIPMS) is a framework for Services and Groups to assist in achieving improvement in Defence’s injury prevention, absence management and return to work outcomes. 

For information on absence management arrangements, Defence managers and supervisors can contact their local rehabilitation case manager through the Defence Service Centre on: 1800 000 677. 

Defence APS employees who are injured or ill and require assistance to return to the workplace are advised to contact their manager or supervisor or alternatively the Defence Service Centre (1800 000 677) to be put in contact with a local rehabilitation case manager.

Programs and Resources aligned with DCIPMS:

Defence Physical Injury Prevention Awareness Program.
Civilian Absence Management in Defence – Education and Awareness Resource Kit.
Psychological Health Awareness Program for APS employees (for development in 2010).

For more information on the Directorate of Safety and Rehabilitation Policy, email ohsc@defence.gov.au

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