This guide provides general education and does not diagnose a condition or replace individual medical or physiotherapy assessment.
What the certificate communicates
The NSW Certificate of Capacity records the injury, treatment plan and how the condition affects usual activities and work. It indicates whether the worker is fit for pre-injury duties, has capacity for some work or currently has no work capacity.
The first certificate
The initial Certificate of Capacity is completed by the worker’s nominated treating doctor or specialist. This allows the person’s broader medical needs and diagnosis to be assessed.
Useful functional information
- Lifting and carrying tolerance
- Sitting, standing and walking duration
- Reaching, gripping and manual handling
- Movement, strength and endurance
- Response to current suitable duties
- Recommended functional progression and review points
How physiotherapy contributes
Physiotherapy assessment can provide objective findings to the nominated treating doctor and other authorised members of the recovery team. These findings can assist decisions about restrictions, hours and suitable-duties progression.
Under current NSW rules, eligible SIRA-approved treating physiotherapists may issue second and subsequent certificates for injuries within their area of expertise. Scheme requirements and the individual circumstances still apply.
Progress should be specific
Useful recommendations describe what the person can do now and what is expected to change next. Clear loads, durations, task limits and review dates are more practical than vague advice to avoid activity.
Official links
Read the source for this topic.
Each link below opens the specific government or scheme page used for this guide.
Raby & Gledswood Hills