Figures Are Promising, But Are Injured Workers Actually Finding It Easier To Return To Work?

Oct. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- There’s been much talk of late about WorkCoverSA’s recent financial improvements and reductions in overall claims numbers outlined in their 2008/09 Annual report.

WorkCoverSA are positive that they are moving in the right direction, while the state opposition claims this is due to workers being removed from the scheme, shown as a significant rise in redemption payments.  

Dr Mary Wyatt, editor of Return to Work Matters, an online resource for Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators says  “from a Rehabilitation and Return to Work perspective, collaboration between stakeholders and the best possible return to work is what will improve both financial and health outcomes for all parties in the long run.  

When the costs of a workers' comp scheme blow out the financial turnaround is often achieved by moving the long-term and most expensive claimants off the system. “

There are sound medical reasons to prevent long-term dependence on a compensation system.  And it’s also effective financial management. However, the human costs of not managing return to work well, entrenching people in long-term disability, and then 'moving them on' from the system is not socially responsible.  Yet, it is an approach common to many schemes.

Campbell Research’s annual national Return to Work Monitor, released in August, gives a different perspective and looks at RTW rates, influences and national trends by asking the injured workers themselves.

Drawing on the reports’ information, Return to Work Matters has collated jurisdictional data over the last four years, and analysed trends in each jurisdiction.

WorkCoverSA has had a significant increase in RTW rates since 2007 and are now closer to the national average.  This correlates directly with a decrease in the number of injured workers reporting that someone in the workplace made their return to work harder and contrasts with Victoria, NSW and QLD where the reverse applies.

“Clearly, a helpful, supportive and collaborative approach makes all the difference” says Wyatt, “and WorkCoverSA are doing something right when it comes to promoting a positive return to work culture and attitude in South Australian workplaces”.

Positive trends in South Australia include:
•   Over the past 12 months the return to work rate increased from 75% to 82%. Durable return to work also increased significantly from 64% to 71%
•   The percentage of employees initially returning to work on suitable duties has increased steadily over the last two years from 78% to 88%.
•   SA workers are significantly more likely than the average Australian worker to have a RTW plan.
•   57% of SA Workers interviewed had contact with their insurer in the last three months, higher than the national average of 51%.

As WorkCoverSA Chief Executive Julia Davison closes in her Annual report statement “we need to continue to work together with all scheme stakeholders, particularly with employers and their workers”.  

Return To Work Matters will continue to report on jurisdictional performance and share best practice information with employers and RTW Coordinators Australia wide.

For the full report of WorkCoverSA’s performance, see:  Return to Work Trends in South Australia 2005-06 to 2008-09.

Ends
Sources:
HWCA – 2008/2009 Aust & NZ RTW Monitor - August 2009 - Campbell Research & Consulting

For further statistics or comment contact:

Cheryl Griffiths or Dr Mary Wyatt
Return To Work Matters - www.rtwmatters.org  
Ph: 03 9866 6376 info@rtwmatters.org

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Return to Work Matters is an online resource and network for return to work professionals, and assists in helping employers to facilitate an injured employee’s return to work.