Innovating recovery through work

Building better pathways back to work

WorkSafe's second Return to Work Innovations (RTWI) Grant round will invest in eight Victorian organisations to trial practical new approaches that help injured workers recover and return to safe, meaningful work sooner.

Focused on physical injury recovery, this funding round supports initiatives that address some of the most common barriers to return to work across Victoria's manufacturing, construction, transport and warehousing sectors. Together, the projects will test new ways to improve early intervention, strengthen workplace support, build supervisor capability, increase access to suitable duties and help workers stay connected to work throughout their recovery.

Evidence shows workers recover better when they remain connected to their workplace and return to safe, suitable duties as early as possible. Recovery through work recognises that work can be a positive part of rehabilitation, helping workers maintain confidence, routine and social connection while they recover. With manufacturing, construction, transport, postal and warehousing accounting for more than one-third of accepted physical injury WorkCover claims in Victoria, these sectors have been identified as key priorities for innovation and improvement.

The funded initiatives bring together employers, unions, health providers, rehabilitation specialists, industry representatives and technology partners to tackle real-world challenges faced by injured workers and businesses. From innovative rehabilitation technologies and early intervention support to leadership development, peer mentoring and workplace recovery programs, each project will generate insights that can help improve recovery through work practices and return to work outcomes across Victoria.

What our partners are delivering

1. AMWU Return to Work Support Recovery Project

   A dedicated support service helping injured manufacturing workers navigate the return to work process with confidence and clarity.

   Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU)

   The AMWU is helping injured manufacturing workers overcome barriers to recovery through early support, workplace education and stronger collaboration between workers, employers and workplace representatives. Through a dedicated Return to Work Support Officer, workplace pilots with manufacturers including SPC Global, Lucky Strike Welding, CDC Victoria, Sutcliffe Engineering and Independent Testing and Inspection Services, and targeted training, the initiative will test practical ways to improve communication, strengthen understanding of the WorkCover process and create safer pathways back to meaningful work.

2. Recovery in Motion

   AI-powered movement analysis helping injured workers recover safely and return to work sooner.

   ANSA Health

   ANSA Health is combining allied health expertise with innovative movement-tracking technology and AI-powered ergonomic assessment to support workers recovering from musculoskeletal injuries. Using smartphone-based assessments, the project will provide objective information about recovery progress, helping workers, employers and health professionals make more informed return to work decisions while also identifying opportunities to prevent future injuries.

3. Recovery-Ready Manufacturing

   Leadership training, peer mentoring and practical tools helping regional manufacturers better support injured workers.

   Geelong Manufacturing Council

   Recovery-Ready Manufacturing will help regional manufacturers build stronger recovery-at-work practices through supervisor training, peer mentoring and practical planning tools. By bringing together workers, employers and health professionals to co-design recovery pathways, the initiative aims to create more supportive workplace cultures and improve return to work outcomes across regional manufacturing workplaces.

4. Hands-Free Return to Work Micro-Learning Pilot

   A new approach to helping injured construction workers rebuild confidence and reconnect with the workplace following injury.

   Liminal VR

   Liminal is partnering with Hansen Yuncken and the University of Newcastle to pilot an innovative return to work training program on construction sites. Using AI-enabled smartglasses, workers returning from injury will receive personalised, hands-free learning while completing modified duties, helping them rebuild confidence and reconnect with their workplace. Findings from the pilot will inform practical resources that can be shared across the broader construction industry.

5. Building Managers to Support Recovery through Work

   Giving construction managers the tools and confidence to better support injured workers.

   Nabenet

   Nabenet's initiative focuses on strengthening the capability of supervisors and site managers to support recovery at work. Through tailored training, coaching and digital tools, workplace leaders will be better equipped to identify suitable duties, maintain communication and address barriers to recovery, helping create safer and more effective return to work pathways.

6. The Recovery Pathway - Person-centred and Progressive

   Early intervention and workplace leadership helping injured workers stay connected to meaningful work.

   Recovery Partners

   Partnering with Team Global Express, Recovery Partners will test new approaches to supporting workers throughout their recovery journey across 13 Victorian sites. The project combines early worker support, manager training and improved systems for identifying suitable duties, with the aim of reducing barriers to recovery and delivering safer, more sustainable return to work outcomes.

7. Injury Ease Program

   Training, coaching and resources to help frontline leaders support recovery with confidence.

   Recovre

   Recovre's Injury Ease Program will help supervisors across manufacturing, warehousing and transport workplaces better support workers recovering from injury. Delivered in partnership with three large Victorian employers, the initiative will provide practical training, coaching and return to work resources to help leaders improve communication, identify suitable duties and keep workers connected to meaningful work during recovery.

8. Driving Confidence in Transport

   Helping injured transport workers return sooner through clearer pathways back to meaningful work.

   Ventura

   Ventura is partnering with Staunch Technology to improve how return to work decisions are made following injury. By creating detailed profiles of workplace tasks and improving communication between workers, employers and healthcare providers, the project will help identify suitable duties more effectively, build confidence during recovery and support safer return to work outcomes across the transport sector.