Safe Work Australia has launched a 10-year strategy to minimise the impact of work-related injuries and illnesses and improve workers’ recovery and capacity to work.
Chief Executive of Safe Work Australia, Michelle Baxter described the Agency’s National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030 as a landmark national initiative, saying it set an ambitious agenda for the years ahead.
Ms Baxter said more than half a million people sustained a work-related injury or illness in Australia each year.
“The impact of this is felt in their daily lives, their families and their communities,” Ms Baxter said.
“Workers are at the heart of the strategy. We want to help them recover and return to a safe and supportive workplace.”
She said that up to now jurisdictions had largely worked separately on issues of return to work so to address this Safe Work Australia developed a widely supported, evidence-based plan for national action.
“The strategy is built on a shared commitment to improve outcomes for workers and paves the way for ongoing national collaboration,” Ms Baxter said.
“The return to work process can be complex and involve a range of stakeholders,” she said.
‘The strategy aims to better support workers through this process and help stakeholders to do the same.”
She said it was aimed at those who influenced work and workplaces including policy-makers, workers’ compensation authorities, employers, union and industry groups, insurers and claims management organisations, treating health practitioners, workplace rehabilitation providers, and other worker advocates.
Safe Work’s 55-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.