Premier of South Australia

The State Government has announced the start of a range of innovative projects designed to help people return to the workplace after they have been injured and off work for a long time.

Industrial Relations Minister, Paul Caica, says the WorkCover SA Board has approved $2.4m for the first round of Return to Work Fund projects, which form part of the Government’s reform package of the WorkCover Scheme.

“The Fund, totalling $15m, is being used to implement a program of innovative, yet practical solutions to improve return to work outcomes in South Australia, starting with this first round of projects,” he said.

“It can be daunting for people who have been injured and off work for a long time to return to the workplace. Statistics show that the longer a worker is away from work, the probability of their returning to work significantly decreases.

“We’re hoping that up to 250 injured workers will benefit from these initial projects and the positive impact will be broader, given that a number of projects are aimed at helping the business community assist injured workers to return to work.”

WorkCover SA is enlisting the education, training and coaching skills of a range of experienced organisations, to help injured workers feel more confident about returning to the workplace and show employers how to reduce barriers that may discourage workers form returning to work.

“A number of these approaches to employment and training have been proven in other environments,” Minister Caica said. “But it’s the first time they’ve been adapted and applied for the workers’ compensation scheme and we’re confident they will make a real difference.

“The Board has funded organisations such as Business SA, SA Unions, Registered Training Organisations to deliver the first seven projects. This will help WorkCover SA to build important partnerships and alliances in the quest to improve return to work outcomes.”

The first round of projects comprise:

• A pilot project being undertaken by SA Unions to include training as an effective part of the rehabilitation of injured workers and their return to work;
• An educational program, run by Business SA, for small businesses finding it difficult to provide injured workers with alternative duties;
• The creation, by Interwork Ltd, of ‘whole of life’ action plans for injured workers, which takes them through five key developmental stages in securing employment;
• A Next Step program, which will deliver employment plans for injured workers that are tailored to each participant’s needs. This will be run by the State Government’s Further Education Department, DFEEST;
• Preparing injured workers for retraining or upskilling to new jobs, either with their existing employer or a new one. This is being run by the Business Services Industry Skill Board;
• Business SA will also be approaching employers to source and provide work hardening and work placement opportunities for injured workers, providing them with an alternative pathway into new employment;
• A program, run by ProActiv Life Solutions, which challenges negative beliefs and attitudes, and restores a positive mental approach to returning to work.

“These projects will require a concerted effort from all Scheme participants and the entire community to challenge existing mindsets and try new approaches, Minister Caica said.

The projects will commence from tomorrow – July 1.

The WorkCover SA Board expects to be seeking further expressions of interest for innovative ways to improve return to work outcomes for the Scheme as part of the continued roll-out of projects under the Fund.