Helping Ballarat’s employers improve return to work outcomes

06 June 2008

WorkSafe Victoria and the Ballarat Regional Occupational Safety and Health Group (BROSH) are hosting an information session next Thursday 12 June aimed at helping employers in Ballarat and surrounding areas understand how they can achieve return to work success in partnership with occupational rehabilitation providers.

The session, held in response to the high incidence of injuries and claims in regional Victoria, is part of WorkSafe’s efforts to improve the State’s return to work performance.

From July 2002 to December 2007, Ballarat reported 3,482 claims, costing over $54 million in treatment, rehabilitation and compensation costs. This is 848 claims and $17 million more than neighbouring Bendigo.

The session will provide local employers and Return to Work Coordinators with information about ways in which they can optimise occupational rehabilitation services and learn about some new occupational rehabilitation initiatives that WorkSafe is undertaking to help employers.

A panel discussion involving Ms Larissa Natividad of Advanced Personnel Management and WorkSafe return to work experts will ensure local employers have an opportunity to have their questions answered.

According to WorkSafe Executive Director, Mr Len Boehm, “Helping an injured worker return to work is good for the worker, their families and workmates, and it’s good for business.

“This not only assists in the early recovery and rehabilitation of the worker, it reduces productivity losses and minimises the impact on an employer’s workplace injury insurance costs.

 “With this in mind you begin to realise the importance of the role the Return to Work Coordinator plays.

“Helping injured workers return to work in a safe and sustainable way can be a complex process and those responsible for return to work can benefit from training and attending events like these to keep their knowledge current.“

This second Ballarat Employer Return to Work Network will be held on Thursday 12 June from 12.00 – 2.00pm at BEST Community Development, 28 Victoria St, Ballarat.

“This is a valuable opportunity for Ballarat employers to meet return to work experts and others in their local community to share experiences and knowledge”, Mr Boehm said.

To find out more or register for this event, contact Kay Macaulay from BROSH via email at kaym@aigroup.asn.au or telephone on (03) 5331 7688.