WorkCover Work Capacity Certificate (RTWSA)

The commonest question I get asked about the Work Capacity Certificate is this one…

“Doctor, I think you filled out my Work Capacity Certificate incorrectly. You’ve said I am unfit for work, but Section E says I can do everything.”

Actually, those answers are correct.

The reason section E is not filled out is because it does not need to be filled out.

At the top of Section E, it says, “Your ability to work is affected by this injury(s)/condition(s) as follows:” – so if you are unable to work, this section does not apply, and it does not need to be filled out.

Of course, it would make more sense if there was a way to leave this section blank.

Unfortunately, these are all radio checkboxes, so it is not possible for them to be left blank, and so I leave them in the “Can Do” or “Not Affected” by default.

Then I put something in the Comments area of Section E.

NOTE: This only applies to Return to Work SA Work Capacity Certificates. In most other states, their work capacity certificate requires this functional information to be filled out whether or not you are fit for work.