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Lilydale disability employer recognised for helping injured worker return to work
12 May 2011
When Lilydale resident Nicole injured her shoulder in April 2010 nobody anticipated the impact this would have on her friends, family and employer. With the help of disability employment services provider, CRS Australia, Nicole is back at work and her workplace is a safer and happier place for all of its employees.
Nicole has Williams' Syndrome, an underlying genetic condition with symptoms including reduced muscle tone, hyper-mobility and heightened anxiety levels. When Nicole injured her shoulder in the workplace she was put on alternative duties. However, her anxiety about work and other personal issues eventually prevented her from working.
Nicole said, ‘I wanted to sort out my anxiety and other things that were really worrying me, and to see a counsellor to help me to get over what was causing me anxiety and stress.’
Nicole’s employer, Eastern Outsource, is a community based provider of employment and training for adults with a disability, located in Lilydale. It prides itself on looking after its workforce. When Nicole injured herself it was determined to manage her case to give her the best opportunity to return to work. For help to do this, Eastern Outsource contacted CRS Australia.
CRS Australia worked with Nicole, her husband and her general practitioner (GP) to develop an appropriate action plan, which included personal counselling through the treating GP and a trial return to work.
CRS Australia completed a job analysis, developed return to work plans, maintained regular contact with the GP and physiotherapist and regularly visited the workplace to ensure all parties were supported to help Nicole.
Robynne Mauger, who was the return to work coordinator for Eastern Outsource said, ‘CRS Australia was professional, knowledgeable, empathic and treated us with respect.’
Nicole has made a successful return to full hours. She missed her workmates when she was absent and loves being back at work. ‘It’s pretty fun too!’ said Nicole.
A key factor in the success of the return to work plan was Eastern Outsource’s flexibility in adjusting work tasks to match the physical limitations of Nicole’s injury and its willingness to support her emotionally. In addition to the actions put in place to help Nicole return to work, it also made changes to its workplace to ensure all workers rotated tasks to prevent injury.
Robynne says, ‘Ultimately you want the worker to be safe, fit, willing to be back at work. More importantly, the best ethical solution is to look after your employees.’
Eastern Outsource was a finalist in the Injury Prevention category of this year’s CRS Australia Victoria and Tasmania Employer Awards, held at Etihad Stadium on 5 May 2011.