By XAVIER SMERDON
WORKSAFE Victoria will be cracking down on businesses in Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Laverton this month.
Return to work inspectors will be visiting businesses to ensure employers are meeting their return to work obligations for injured workers.
Workplaces where workers have suffered an injury and have been unable to return to work will be
the primary focus for inspectors as part of the visits.
WorkSafe’s Return to Work Director, Ross Jones, said employers played a key role in helping
injured workers get back to their job.
“We know businesses are faced with a range of competing demands but it’s essential workplaces
are addressing their legal obligations,” Mr Jones said.
“Helping injured workers return to work in a safe and sustainable way can be a complex process
so our inspectors’ role is to provide guidance and advice to employers as well as talk them through possible options.”
Almost 5000 injuries in the Wyndham region were reported to WorkSafe over the last five financial years to 30 June 2011, costing employers nearly $100 million in medical costs, wages and other expenses.
Mr Jones said returning to their job could help injured workers recover.
“In many cases, you do not need to be 100 per cent recovered to return to work, in fact, getting back to work is an important part of the rehabilitation process,” he said.
The visits come as WorkSafe plan to host a free Return to Work Co-ordinator workshop in Sanctuary Lakes on 21 August to help those dealing with injured workers.
The event will be held at from 9am to 11.30am at Sanctuary Lakes Resort, Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes.
For more information call 9940 4283 or visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
