Long-term injured worker claims are increasingly contributing to rising claims costs, delayed recovery outcomes, and complex workplace disputes. While return to work is often viewed through a workers’ compensation lens, many claims become prolonged because of broader workplace issues, including inadequate injury management, poor communication, psychosocial hazards, workplace conflict and uncertainty around an employer’s legal obligations. Drawing on HR Legal’s experience advising employers on complex workplace health and safety, workers’ compensation and employment law matters, this session explores where claims and return to work processes are breaking down in practice, what is driving delays and costs, and the common mistakes that expose organisations to further legal and operational risk. This session will share practical insights into managing long-term injured workers while balancing WHS duties, return to work obligations and employment law considerations, with a focus on achieving sustainable recovery outcomes and reducing the likelihood of disputes.