03:58 pm, Monday 15 April, 2013

Q-COMP is accepting nominations for the Return to work Awards 2013.

In 2012, Q-COMP received over 350 nominations. Now in its fifth year, the awards celebrate “injured workers who have successfully achieved their return to work goals, case managers who care, employers committed to positive return to work culture, health providers that innovate, and rehabilitation coordinators who go the extra mile.”

“Through the Awards program, the many passionate and dedicated individuals and businesses who work in this dynamic industry are given an opportunity to shine and share their achievements and innovations with colleagues,” said Q-COMP CEO Elizabeth Woods.

“In 2012 we were inspired by more than 350 nominations, sharing their wealth of knowledge, experience and insights into what it takes to get an injured worker back to work safely and successfully.”

“Nominating an individual or organisation is quick and easy at qcompconference.com.au and I urge Queenslanders to take a moment to thank those who are truly making a difference in rehabilitation and return to work,” she said.

Winners will receive up to $2,000 in cash prize. Nominees will receive a certificate celebrating their hard work.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 30 October 2013. Nomination period close 14 June 2013. Nominations can be submitted online via http://qcompconference.com.au/

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03:50 pm, Tuesday 2 April, 2013

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten has released on Saturday the report from the Review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (the SRC Act).

The government commissioned the review to ensure that injured workers covered by the Act and Comcare receive sufficient support to recover and return to work as quickly as possible.

“Workplace injuries can take a terrible toll on workers and their families, and can cause a loss of productivity and morale in a workplace,” said Mr Shorten.

“The Gillard Government is determined to create a best practice workers compensation scheme in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.

“It is vital that the Comcare Scheme is focused on early and effective intervention to promote recovery of injured workers.

“It is also critical that employers and Comcare are proactive in supporting injured workers from the point of injury, during rehabilitation and when they return to work.”

The review was conducted by Dr Allan Hawke AC and Mr Peter Hanks QC and found a number of areas where the SRC Act and Comcare Scheme are being effective but also found opportunities to modernise its operation.

The report has 33 recommendations by Dr Hawke to improve performance, governance and funding framework of the Comcare scheme and 104 recommendations from Mr Hanks to update and improve the SRC Act and act on anomalies in the current legislation.

“The report provides a range of ideas on ways to improve the operation of the Comcare Scheme while ensuring benefits remain fair and equitable for injured workers, especially those more seriously injured and incapacitated,” said Mr Shorten.

“I want to thank Dr Hawke and Mr Hanks for their work and everyone else who contributed to the review.

“Over the next period, I will be consulting with scheme stakeholders on the recommendations. These consultations will help inform our response to the Review to build a strong and effective rehabilitation and compensation for workers in the Comcare Scheme.”

Comcare welcomes the report and said amendments to federal laws have made the legislation complex.

“This is a great opportunity to get this right and improve outcomes for injured workers and scheme employers,” said Comcare in a media release.

The SRC Act and Comcare Scheme cover public sector workers, and a small number of private companies who self-insure under the Comcare Scheme.

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05:59 pm, Monday 18 March, 2013

Customer Advisors Gemma Jorgensen and Alex Newton,
Customer Services Manager Vicki McCathy
and Exercise physiologist Adam King.
Photo: WorkCover Queensland

WorkCover Queensland has recently visited the Toowoomba Turf Club to meet with injured jockeys and view the horse simulator in action.

WorkCover Queensland Customer Advisor, Gemma Jorgensen said the simulator is a type of device that mimics a galloping horse which was purchased by Racing Queensland to train apprentices and is now also used as a rehabilitation tool.

“In some cases when I refer a jockey to a conditioning program, which helps them get back to riding duties more safely and quickly, the exercise physiologist encourages the jockey to use the simulator for conditioning. There isn’t really anything else in a gym or training session that can simulate the actions of a horse. The simulator enables the muscle groups needed to ride a horse to rebuild, strengthen and recondition.

“The simulator can also assist with any confidence issues – it has helped jockeys refine the riding action without having the unpredictability of a live animal beneath them,” said Ms Jorgensen.

By connecting the simulator to a LED screen and computer, balance, whip action and rein use are being monitored.

Customer Advisor Alex Newton said that during their visit they have discussed the rehabilitation and conditioning benefits of the simulator with Racing Queensland’s training officer along with an exercise physiologist who regularly arranges conditioning and strengthening programs for jockeys returning to work from injury.

“We learnt just how difficult riding a race horse can be and how general fitness plays such an integral and vital part in a jockey’s normal duties. Most jockeys’ injuries are complex and serious in nature, and normal duties are somewhat high risk and unpredictable,” said Mr Newton.

“We have worked with Racing Queensland to arrange availability of the horse simulator for rehabilitation and work hardening. These programs will be formulated and supervised by an exercise physiologist,” he said.

The simulators are available in Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, and Deagon. A mobile apparatus also travels to regional centres.

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11:46 pm, Tuesday 26 February, 2013

South Australia – Unions welcome the State Government’s announcement of the WorkCover Improvement Project.

SA Unions secretary, Janet Giles said unions were promised a review in 2010 and is glad that it’s finally in progress.

“A whole series of changes were made to WorkCover in 2008, which we were told would make the scheme more efficient and get people back to work sooner.”

“But the opposite happened.”

“The South Australian scheme has the worst return to work and treats people more fairly,” said MS Giles.

She said she has had meetings with the Minister for Industrial Relations, John Rau, and is looking forward to discuss the project.

“We welcome his statements that more needs to be done to reduce the number of workforce injuries and improve the experience of injured workers,” she said.

SA Unions is making a formal submission to the Project. The union is also represented on the Workers’ Rehabilitation and Advisory Committee.

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10:53 pm, Monday 25 February, 2013

A forum to help employers in the beef industry improve health, safety and injury management outcomes was held on Friday.

Customer Services Manager Kylie Maras considers the forum a success.

“It featured a case where the employer was involved in the rehabilitation and return to work process from the onset, and how this lead to a great outcome. It also demonstrated how a shorter claim reduces the impact of costs on the employer’s premium, said Ms Maras.

According to a WorkCover Queensland news release, there have been 942 new claims in agriculture so far this year. Only 30 percent of these have seen an injured worker be able stay at work following injury.

“When you consider wages payments for the remaining 70 percent and that it currently takes 47 days for a first return to work this cost adds up, which also impacts premium.

“Treatment and rehabilitation costs contribute as well with the average monthly cost of a claim being $3500.”

“It is so important to maintain a good relationship between the employer and injured workers, as is preparing the rest of the work team for the return of an injured worker, and supporting them during the recovery,” said Ms Maras.

“There has been request to have one closer to Rockhampton so we will look at this in the future and consider filming it so others can see it. The next forum will be for the Banana industry in April, possibly in Tully,” she said.

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11:00 am, Thursday 6 December, 2012

Melbourne University’s Population Mental Health research group has launched returntowork.net.au as a resource to assist people involved in RTW following a worker experiencing a mental illness or injury.

The site was developed after extensive consultation with people with practical expertise of RTW as well as those that are experienced at dealing with individuals that have a mental illness or injury.

It focuses on the different actions that employers, employees, colleagues, family and friends can do to help make sure that the RTW is a success and to lower the possibility of a relapse.

There are videos, information and tip sheets that can be printed on the site and a RTW coordinators page that deals with issues such as how to recognise the early signs of mental illness/injuries at work, dealing with a distressed employee, identifying suitable duties managing absences.

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11:18 am, Tuesday 27 November, 2012

WorkCover NSW will conduct two information sessions this week for local builders on the new work health and safety laws.

According to WorkCover’s Port Macquarie District Coordinator, Col West, local construction workers and employers would receive work health and safety advice from health and safety experts and will be given information on the responsibilities of principal contractors.

“There are a number of changes to NSW work health and safety laws and licensing currently underway that affect the local construction industry,” said Mr West.

“This includes the start of harmonised national work health and safety laws on 1 January 2012 and the requirement to review and, if necessary, renew all high-risk work licences by 1 January 2013 as part of a national approach to uniform licensing.

“These information sessions are part of WorkCover’s comprehensive efforts to support mid-north coast businesses and will provide an opportunity for local builders to ask questions and learn more.”

Mr West also said that the sessions would also tackle return to work plans for injured workers.

“Getting back to work quickly is the best outcome for an injured worker,” said Mr West.

“This week’s sessions will cover return-to-work requirements for injured workers and WorkCover’s range of vocational rehabilitation programs to help workers return to suitable employment.”

Further information on the information sessions and new laws is available through the WorkCover NSW website.

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04:27 pm, Thursday 15 November, 2012

Photo: SafetyCulture Library

WorkCover NSW has recently issued a reminder to all regional businesses and workers to protect themselves when working under the sun to prevent fatigue.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson said employers must take the lead in protecting their workers from ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight as well as in reducing the hazards associated with working in sunny work environments.

“Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, at nearly four times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK,” said Mr Watson.

“In the three years to July 2011 there were 433 claims for work-related skin cancer at a cost of $6.2 million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

“Workers can be exposed to UV radiation when working in the sun as well as in the shade or undercover due to reflection from surrounding surfaces, so it is important to wear sun protection in all outdoor conditions,” he said.

As Christmas period is coming, Mr Watson is concerned many workers will be under increased pressure to get the job done before the year ends.

“These pressures, coupled with long working hours in the sun can increase the likelihood of fatigue-related injuries,” he said.

Fatigue and heat stress can affect a worker’s health, reducing their performance and productivity, and increasing the chance of a workplace injury through reduced ability to concentrate, recognise risks and communicate effectively.

“In the three years to July 2011 there were 497 claims for workplace fatigue and heat stroke at a cost of $4.3 million.

“Business should set realistic workloads and work schedules, ensure fair distribution of work and provide regular rest breaks.

“Throughout November and over the summer months, WorkCover inspectors will be visiting work sites throughout regional NSW to talk about their procedures for working in hot and sunny environments and to ensure they have sun protection policies.”

WorkCover recommends the following actions for businesses to reduce workers’ exposure to harmful UV rays and prevent fatigue:

• Provide and maintain equipment and shelter to protect workers from the sun
• Provide sun safety information, instruction, training and supervision
• Rotate tasks to lessen exposure to the sun as well as mental and physical fatigue and to schedule work at cooler times of the day
• Use rest periods in addition to scheduled meal breaks
• Provide water and encourage workers to stay hydrated
• Provide personal protective equipment
• Use plant, machinery and equipment to eliminate or reduce the excessive physical demands of the job

Mr Watson also reminded that in the event of an injury, employers must have in place adequate return to work plans for their workers.

“Getting back to work quickly is the best outcome for an injured worker,” said Mr Watson.

“It is important for injured workers, employers and case managers to  work together to ensure sustainable return-to-work results.

“For those unable to return to their pre-injury job, WorkCover has a range of vocational rehabilitation programs to help workers return to suitable employment.”

WorkCover will offer rebates up to $500 for small businesses and small traders to purchase and install safety improvements through its Small Business Rebate Program.

Further information is available on the WorkCover NSW website.

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01:29 pm, Wednesday 7 November, 2012

All interested participants can now register for the North Queensland Return to Work Conference and Expo 2013 which will be held in Cairns on Friday 22 March 2013.

The 2013 Conference will build on the momentum gained from the first ever North Queensland Conference in March 2012.

The 2013 Conference which aims to improve return to work practices in Queensland will feature thought-provoking presentations, workshops and discussions on how return to work outcomes can be improved in the State.

A pre-conference networking event will be hosted by Q-COMP at the Cairn Convention Centre on Thursday 21 March. Delegates will have the chance to meet and mingle with key representatives from worker’s compensation and workplace health and safety industries.

Speakers include Bruce Sullivan who will present on ‘How to live and work with people who are not like you!’ Dominic Thurbon will discuss about ‘Understanding and Engaging Generation Y.’

Paul Hockey will share his story of courage. He made history by becoming the first disabled person to stand on the summit of Mount Everest’s north side.

The full day conference including the pre-event networking function costs $250 (plus GST) to attend.

The Expo is free for all to attend from 8:00am to 3:30pm.

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01:53 pm, Wednesday 22 August, 2012

Finalists for this year’s Return to Work Awards which recognise those who have played a significant role in the return to work process have been announced.

Twenty eight finalists have been chosen from hundreds of entries submitted from across Queensland. Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on 30 October 2012 at the Return to Work Conference and Expo 2012.

Finalists for the Return to Work Awards 2012 are the following:

Case Management Achievement Award

• Samantha Lee (Cannon Hill)
• Bronwyn Rigby (Oxley)
• Andrea Dale (Oxley)

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work – large employer

• Queensland Rail (State wide operations)
• Energex (State wide operations)
• Sucregon (State wide operations)
• Xstrata (State wide operations)

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work – small/med employer

• Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd (Mt Cotton)
• Unity Water (Maroochydore)
• Surfside Bus Lines (Gold Coast)

Injured Worker Achievement Award – serious injury

• Jason Nielsen (Mackay)
• Gus Wilson (Middlemount)
• Kru Gregory (Robina)

Injured Worker Achievement Award – return to work

• Deborah Shaw (Forest Lake)
• Hilaree Bradwell (Cooloongatta)
• Gerhard Pauwells (New Farm)

Injured Worker Achievement Award – new career

• Aaron Moxham (Oxley)
• Paul Bonner (Gold Coast)
• Gordon Harvey (Sunshine Coast)

Health Provider Achievement Award – individual

• David Morris (Nundah)
• Philip Gabel (Coolum)
• Adam Tysoe (Tewantin)

Health Provider Achievement Award – organisation

• Kinnect (Brisbane and Townsville)
• Catalyst Injury Management Health (Brisbane)
• Mt Isa Physiotherapy Centre (Mt Isa)

Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator achievement award

• Barbara Norman (Maroochydore)
• Venette Trout (Rockhampton)
• David Lachi (Currumbin)

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