WorkSafe and Borders talk return to work with employers in the southern suburbs

23 June 2008

WorkSafe Victoria is hosting an interactive forum in Rowville on Thursday 26 June to help employers in Melbourne’s south and south east make the most of their WorkSafe Agent’s support in improving return to work outcomes.

WorkSafe will be joined by high profile book retailer, Borders, who will share their Agent-related experiences, describing their own expectations and how they have worked with their Agent to optimise the services they receive and substantially reduce their claims costs.

According to WorkSafe Executive Director, Mr Len Boehm employers in the south and south eastern suburbs have a high incidence of injuries and workers compensation claims.

From July 2002 to 30 December 2007, the regions of Monash, Kingston, Bayside, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula reported a combined total of over 32,600 claims, costing nearly $528 million in treatment, rehabilitation and compensation costs.

“Helping an injured worker return to work is good for the worker, their families and workmates, and it’s good for business,” Mr Boehm said.

“With this in mind you begin to realise the importance of the role your workers compensation Agent plays.

“They should be critical in your return to work planning process and are there to help obtain the most successful return to work outcomes possible.”

The session will provide local employers and Return to Work Coordinators with the opportunity to ask questions and share in discussions about the tools, resources and strategies available through their Agent and the work WorkSafe is undertaking with Agents to improve return to work outcomes and the level of service provided.

The event will be held at 2.00pm at Quality Inn Baton Rouge in Rowville.

For further information about future WorkSafe return to work network events visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or email rtw_networks@workcover.vic.gov.au