WorkSafe Victoria has announced it will hold a free two-hour workshop aimed at providing employers the tools and information they need to assist injured workers remain motivated during the return to work process.

 

To be held on 15 March, the workshop will focus on the importance on having positive communication skills when dealing with injured works to help them improve return to work outcomes.

 

WorkSafe’s statistics show around 29,000 Victorian workers suffer work-related injuries each year. Of those, 3000 remain out of the workforce for more than six months.

 

WorkSafe’s Return to Work project manager Danielle Jacobs said it was essential businesses had the necessary skills needed to help get injured workers back to safe work.

 

“Helping an injured worker to return to safe, sustainable work sooner – even if it’s on reduced hours and modified or alternative duties – can achieve a better return to work outcome in the long-term.”

 

“It also helps the business maintain productivity and keep the cost of WorkSafe premiums down.”

 

Ms Jacobs said a recent employer performance analysis revealed employers who attended the WorkSafe return to work co-ordinator events on average achieved better return to work outcomes than those who didn’t attend.

 

The event will be held at WorkSafe’s head office – 222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne on 15 March from 2pm to 4pm.

 

Employers are encouraged to register to the event by clicking on the ‘workshops and events section’ at:www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/rtw