" Colleagues and Workmates need to be
reassured that the injured worker is being
taken care of properly and that management
is supportive. They also need to be kept updated
on his progress and expected return to work.
" Supervisor/Immediate Boss needs to
know worker is being looked after and also
needs to take a proactive role in the rehabilitation
process. This is done through close contact
with the relevant rehabilitation and health
professionals managing the case and the injured
worker himself.
" Corporate Management needs to be kept
apprised of the current situation; in particular,
how the progress of claim and estimated cost
will affect claims costs. Close contact with
Workers' Compensation insurer will clarify
this and ensure all parties are working together
to achieve a successful outcome -i.e.: returning
the injured employee to work.
Apart from the obvious stress and strain
on the employee's own family, the insured
business is placed under pressure when an
employee is injured and at risk of suffering
considerable financial loss as a result.
For example:
Jim works at the "Crisp 'n Juicy"
apple orchard. Crisp 'n Juicy supplies eating
apples for the major supermarkets in the state
and also has its own juicing centre at the
orchard. From there, Crisp 'n Juicy Apple
Juice is transported all over the country.
Jim's job is to sort the apples according
to size and type into eating apples and juicing
apples. It's a fairly specialised role and
a keen eye is needed to select which are juicing
apples and which are for eating. It is also
fast-paced so Jim must be quick, efficient
and precise. It took Jim years to reach his
current level of proficiency; the only other
person who can match him is Crisp 'n Juicy's
owner.
Just as work was finished for the day, Jim
decided to pick up a crate of apples and place
it next to the sorting bay ready for the next
day. When he lifted it his back "froze"
and he found himself doubled up in pain. Jim's
boss, Tony drove him to the hospital where
it was confirmed he had a slipped disc in
his back. Jim was certified unfit for work
and kept in hospital for a few days.
Tony visited him in hospital the next day,
bringing claim forms for Jim to complete and
reassuring him that he would be looked after.
An appointment was also scheduled with Crisp
'n Juicy's Rehabilitation Provider for when
Jim was released from hospital.
Meanwhile, back at the orchard…
Bill, the owner of Crisp 'n Juicy, has ceased
his outside commitments with potential export
market representatives so that he can replace
Jim at the sorting bay. He knows that to train
somebody new would take weeks, if not months.
Bottom line… Crisp 'n Juicy is losing
money every day Jim is not at work.
Two weeks have passed and Jim is moving more
freely after an intensive physiotherapy treatment
program. In consultation with his treating
doctor the rehabilitation provider has devised
a return to work plan. The employer is thrilled
at the prospect of having Jim back at work
and implements the program immediately.
Jim returns to modified duties for two weeks,
sharing the role initially with Leila, the
new trainee. Jim is teaching her how to sort
apples, which enables Bill to recommence his
marketing activities and make the company
more even profitable.
After two weeks on modified duties, Jim returns
to full duties. Seeing the potential damage
that could have been done to his business,
Bill implements a work safety program, part
of which entails all workers attending a course
on safe work practices, including lifting.
In consultation with Crisp 'n Juicy's Workers'
compensation insurer, Bill learns that quick
rehabilitation intervention has potentially
saved the company hundreds of dollars in premium.
Bill's a happy fellow.
