Intervention refers to the act of managing a process in order to modify, impact upon or change the outcome. Research has demonstrated that the longer a person stays off work as a result of an injury or health condition, the lower their chance of ever returning to work. Experience demonstrates that it is easier to keep a job than find a new one.

In the return-to-work context, early intervention aims at reporting injuries and/or disabilities and health conditions as they occur, and taking appropriate actions immediately to secure the right treatment and rehabilitation with the aim of returning the person to work at the earliest opportunity.