Through Return to Work Victoria’s Innovations program, substantial financial backing is being provided following a robust $50 million commitment. This is geared towards tackling the most problematic barriers in returning to work and facilitating an expedited re-entry of injured personnel into their workplaces.
Despite the recognised benefits linked with returning to employment – encompassing enhanced mental health, greater financial autonomy, and heightened self-esteem – the data indicates that the return-to-work rates for psychological injuries continue to present issues. Only 40 percent of those with psychological injuries return to work within the first six months of lodging a claim. This is in contrast to the 73 percent who return to work following physical injuries.
These figures underscore the necessity of effective WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS, aiming to ensure employee welfare while aligning with designated safety protocols.
Valuing up to $500,000, grants are currently accessible for initiatives and programs concentrating on early intervention for psychological injuries within the initial 26 weeks of filing a claim.
Jason Lardelli, Return to Work Victoria Executive Director, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in gaining insights and knowledge that will assist injured workers in re-joining the workforce and resuming their regular life more promptly.
Mr. Lardelli stressed, “In order to drive the necessary improvements for injured workers, we must infuse new perspectives, concepts, and resolutions.” He further noted, “It’s clear we cannot achieve this single-handedly.” He reaffirmed that injured workers merit a swift and positive recovery. This not only benefits the individual worker but also has far-reaching positive implications for their loved ones, society, businesses, and workplaces at large.
All employers, self-insured parties, unions, and industry groups are urged to apply for the first tranche of grant funding. This is aimed specifically towards the 10 industries suffering the highest rates of mental injury. The utility of tools such as Bluesafe WHS Management System can prove crucial here, providing clear guidelines for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Applications for grants are now open and can be submitted online until Monday 28 April 2025. However, specific exclusions and eligibility criteria for funding do apply, and further information is readily available at https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/return-work-innovations.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-03/500000-grants-fresh-return-work-ideas