Q Comp RTW Awards

Source: Safety In Australia/Q Comp Qld

On Tuesday night, the state's highest performing employers and individuals were recognised at the annual Q-COMP Return to work Awards, a program rewarding acts of excellence, inspirational leadership and humbling personal journeys in the Queensland workers' compensation industry.

The nine winners from across the state were personally congratulated by the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Industrial Relations during the awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held on the evening of Q-COMP's first Return to work Conference and Expo, the awards showcase outstanding achievements by industry professionals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in helping injured workers return to work.

The inspiring efforts of workers are recognised too, with their stories of bravery, fighting spirit and determination in returning to their jobs after a workplace injury.

At the awards ceremony, courageous journeys were heard from injured workers across the state including Brisbane local Jamie Sunderland, who pursued a new career as a tattoo artist when he was unable to return to his twelve-year career in construction after both of his legs were crushed by several tonnes of steel while on the job.

Commendable efforts by large employers in supporting their injured workers were also showcased on the evening, such as KMART's people-focused strategy to managing work injury rolled out across Queensland stores, including their '555' approach, taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days.

Elizabeth Woods, Chief Executive Officer for Q-COMP, says the winners across all categories are examples of the outstanding work the awards seek to recognise.

"Our awards put forward the state's best in workplace rehabilitation and return to work practices, giving these deserving individuals and businesses the attention of the industry.

"The nine winners, who were selected from close to 500 nominations, have been recognised for taking an approach fitting with the theme of this year's awards: 'Above and Beyond', which celebrates the essential work undertaken to develop and improve a strong return to work culture plus commends the courageous journey an injured worker takes to return to their job."

Q-COMP hosted the awards program with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office, with the winners of the Work Safe Awards for 2010 also announced on the evening.

"It's fitting to recognise achievements in injury prevention and rehabilitation together, as it highlights the great work employers are doing to keep our workplaces safe plus acknowledges those employers who do the right thing if an injury does occur," Ms Woods says.

"The high standard and number of award nominations we received this year demonstrates the committed approach Queensland's employers and individuals take in supporting injured workers' through the workers' compensation process and back to a safe workplace. "

The winners, who received up to $2,000 in prize money, were announced at the ceremony as a highlight of Safe Work Australia Week which wraps up on Saturday 30 October.

RETURN TO WORK AWARDS 2010 WINNERS

Injured Worker Achievement Award - New career

Winner: Michael Castillo, Mooloolaba

Michael was working as a horse-breaker when a 500kg horse he was working with reared and fell on him. Despite substantial injuries and being unable to return to his previous job, Michael was determined to do what it would take to get back into the workforce and completed a Certificate III in carpentry, passing with flying colours. A fantastic example of what you can achieve with determination and a positive attitude, Michael is now happily self-employed as a carpenter specialising in home maintenance and improvements.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Return to work

Winner: Michael Labuc, Brisbane

Michael was riding his bicycle home from work when he was involved in an accident, breaking his leg in several places and requiring weeks in hospital. Needing an additional six months in an external frame fixator, Michael's injury left him severely restricted with his mobility. Facing some major lifestyle changes including having to move homes to accommodate his injury, Michael's incredible strength and character helped him confront his challenges head-on and succeed in getting back into the workforce as a Senior Data Administrator.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Serious

Winner: Jamie Sunderland, Brisbane

Jamie had been working in construction for twelve years when several tonnes of steel collapsed on him while on the job, crushing both of his legs. Despite multiple surgeries and ongoing pain, Jamie was determined to get out of the house and back to work. Unable to meet the physical requirements of his former career, Jamie pursued his passion to become a tattoo artist and organised his own work placement while still recovering from his injuries. Jamie's strength and resolve to get back to work shows you can make the most out of every situation if you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Case Management Achievement Award

Winner: Stephen Wikman - WorkCover Queensland, Rockhampton

Stephen is a WorkCover Queensland Customer Advisor in WorkCover's Rockhampton's office, helping injured workers and their families through what can be emotional upheaval after a workplace injury. Stephen's high level of support, flexibility and openness he provides to injured workers throughout their workers' compensation claim and return to work is commendable. Stephen demonstrates a compassionate and understanding approach to help injured workers regain both their work and personal life.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Small/medium employer

Winner: Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd, Mt Cotton

Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd is a Queensland business involved in poultry processing and pet food

manufacturing. At Golden Cockerel, innovative ideas and a commitment to education and rehabilitation are a key focus which has helped the company not only increase their return to work rate, but also to decrease their workers' compensation premiums. Golden Cockerel gives their injured workers the tools they need to make a full and healthy return to work, such as engaging an Occupational Therapist on a weekly basis to help ensure successful return to work outcomes for both the worker and the employer.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Large employer

Winner: Ramsay Health Care, Moffat Beach

Ramsay Health Care is a global hospital group, operating117 hospitals and day surgery facilities across Australia. Ramsay Health Care's Queensland Workers' Compensation Team is committed to developing positive relationships with their injured workers by ensuring the rehabilitation and return to work process is managed in a coordinated approach, keeping workers feeling supported at all times. Their proactive response towards workplace injuries and availability of resources for injured workers such as reviews with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, gym memberships and assistance with transport puts forward Ramsay Health Care as a leader in the workers' compensation industry.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Self-insured employer

Winner: KMART Australia, Brisbane

KMART's people-focused approach to managing work injury is a shining example of an understanding and considered approach to helping their injured workers. Their new strategy, which has been rolled out across Queensland stores, places an emphasis on early intervention with work injuries and developing 'stay at work' plans, all while keeping their injured workers feeling involved in their rehabilitation process right from the start. Their innovative '555' approach, which involves taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days highlights their great work and commitment to their injured workers.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Award - Self-insured employer

Winner: Gianina Saba - Qantas Airways, Brisbane

Gianina's role for Qantas as the Occupational Rehabilitation Manager for Queensland sees her building strong relationships with individuals who need support during a difficult period in their life. A role model for other industry professionals, Gianina takes a personalised approach in helping injured workers through their journey back to the workplace. Gianina's unwavering commitment to educating on the importance of preventing injury and building a healthy workplace is commendable.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Awards - WorkCover Queensland insured employer

Winner: Mark Kilmore - DPSA Holdings Pty Ltd, North Rockhampton

Having worked on a mine site himself, Mark is especially committed to the rehabilitation and return to work of DSPA Holding's injured workers in his role as the Group Safety and Systems Manager. Mark feels that a positive outcome is more likely to occur when all parties are working towards a common goal and he takes pride in achieving successful return to work solutions for both his injured workers and his employer. Mark's award winning approach ensures injured workers know they have support from right across the business, they feel reassured as valued members of the team and they play a large role in helping to develop their return to work plan.

For more information on the Return to work Conference, Expo and Awards visit www.qcompconference.com.au

Read more safety news at www.safetyinaustralia.com.au

On Tuesday night, the state's highest performing employers and individuals were recognised at the annual Q-COMP Return to work Awards, a program rewarding acts of excellence, inspirational leadership and humbling personal journeys in the Queensland workers' compensation industry.

The nine winners from across the state were personally congratulated by the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Industrial Relations during the awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held on the evening of Q-COMP's first Return to work Conference and Expo, the awards showcase outstanding achievements by industry professionals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in helping injured workers return to work.

The inspiring efforts of workers are recognised too, with their stories of bravery, fighting spirit and determination in returning to their jobs after a workplace injury.

At the awards ceremony, courageous journeys were heard from injured workers across the state including Brisbane local Jamie Sunderland, who pursued a new career as a tattoo artist when he was unable to return to his twelve-year career in construction after both of his legs were crushed by several tonnes of steel while on the job.

Commendable efforts by large employers in supporting their injured workers were also showcased on the evening, such as KMART's people-focused strategy to managing work injury rolled out across Queensland stores, including their '555' approach, taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days.

Elizabeth Woods, Chief Executive Officer for Q-COMP, says the winners across all categories are examples of the outstanding work the awards seek to recognise.

"Our awards put forward the state's best in workplace rehabilitation and return to work practices, giving these deserving individuals and businesses the attention of the industry.

"The nine winners, who were selected from close to 500 nominations, have been recognised for taking an approach fitting with the theme of this year's awards: 'Above and Beyond', which celebrates the essential work undertaken to develop and improve a strong return to work culture plus commends the courageous journey an injured worker takes to return to their job."

Q-COMP hosted the awards program with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office, with the winners of the Work Safe Awards for 2010 also announced on the evening.

"It's fitting to recognise achievements in injury prevention and rehabilitation together, as it highlights the great work employers are doing to keep our workplaces safe plus acknowledges those employers who do the right thing if an injury does occur," Ms Woods says.

"The high standard and number of award nominations we received this year demonstrates the committed approach Queensland's employers and individuals take in supporting injured workers' through the workers' compensation process and back to a safe workplace. "

The winners, who received up to $2,000 in prize money, were announced at the ceremony as a highlight of Safe Work Australia Week which wraps up on Saturday 30 October.

RETURN TO WORK AWARDS 2010 WINNERS

Injured Worker Achievement Award - New career

Winner: Michael Castillo, Mooloolaba

Michael was working as a horse-breaker when a 500kg horse he was working with reared and fell on him. Despite substantial injuries and being unable to return to his previous job, Michael was determined to do what it would take to get back into the workforce and completed a Certificate III in carpentry, passing with flying colours. A fantastic example of what you can achieve with determination and a positive attitude, Michael is now happily self-employed as a carpenter specialising in home maintenance and improvements.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Return to work

Winner: Michael Labuc, Brisbane

Michael was riding his bicycle home from work when he was involved in an accident, breaking his leg in several places and requiring weeks in hospital. Needing an additional six months in an external frame fixator, Michael's injury left him severely restricted with his mobility. Facing some major lifestyle changes including having to move homes to accommodate his injury, Michael's incredible strength and character helped him confront his challenges head-on and succeed in getting back into the workforce as a Senior Data Administrator.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Serious

Winner: Jamie Sunderland, Brisbane

Jamie had been working in construction for twelve years when several tonnes of steel collapsed on him while on the job, crushing both of his legs. Despite multiple surgeries and ongoing pain, Jamie was determined to get out of the house and back to work. Unable to meet the physical requirements of his former career, Jamie pursued his passion to become a tattoo artist and organised his own work placement while still recovering from his injuries. Jamie's strength and resolve to get back to work shows you can make the most out of every situation if you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Case Management Achievement Award

Winner: Stephen Wikman - WorkCover Queensland, Rockhampton

Stephen is a WorkCover Queensland Customer Advisor in WorkCover's Rockhampton's office, helping injured workers and their families through what can be emotional upheaval after a workplace injury. Stephen's high level of support, flexibility and openness he provides to injured workers throughout their workers' compensation claim and return to work is commendable. Stephen demonstrates a compassionate and understanding approach to help injured workers regain both their work and personal life.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Small/medium employer

Winner: Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd, Mt Cotton

Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd is a Queensland business involved in poultry processing and pet food

manufacturing. At Golden Cockerel, innovative ideas and a commitment to education and rehabilitation are a key focus which has helped the company not only increase their return to work rate, but also to decrease their workers' compensation premiums. Golden Cockerel gives their injured workers the tools they need to make a full and healthy return to work, such as engaging an Occupational Therapist on a weekly basis to help ensure successful return to work outcomes for both the worker and the employer.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Large employer

Winner: Ramsay Health Care, Moffat Beach

Ramsay Health Care is a global hospital group, operating117 hospitals and day surgery facilities across Australia. Ramsay Health Care's Queensland Workers' Compensation Team is committed to developing positive relationships with their injured workers by ensuring the rehabilitation and return to work process is managed in a coordinated approach, keeping workers feeling supported at all times. Their proactive response towards workplace injuries and availability of resources for injured workers such as reviews with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, gym memberships and assistance with transport puts forward Ramsay Health Care as a leader in the workers' compensation industry.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Self-insured employer

Winner: KMART Australia, Brisbane

KMART's people-focused approach to managing work injury is a shining example of an understanding and considered approach to helping their injured workers. Their new strategy, which has been rolled out across Queensland stores, places an emphasis on early intervention with work injuries and developing 'stay at work' plans, all while keeping their injured workers feeling involved in their rehabilitation process right from the start. Their innovative '555' approach, which involves taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days highlights their great work and commitment to their injured workers.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Award - Self-insured employer

Winner: Gianina Saba - Qantas Airways, Brisbane

Gianina's role for Qantas as the Occupational Rehabilitation Manager for Queensland sees her building strong relationships with individuals who need support during a difficult period in their life. A role model for other industry professionals, Gianina takes a personalised approach in helping injured workers through their journey back to the workplace. Gianina's unwavering commitment to educating on the importance of preventing injury and building a healthy workplace is commendable.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Awards - WorkCover Queensland insured employer

Winner: Mark Kilmore - DPSA Holdings Pty Ltd, North Rockhampton

Having worked on a mine site himself, Mark is especially committed to the rehabilitation and return to work of DSPA Holding's injured workers in his role as the Group Safety and Systems Manager. Mark feels that a positive outcome is more likely to occur when all parties are working towards a common goal and he takes pride in achieving successful return to work solutions for both his injured workers and his employer. Mark's award winning approach ensures injured workers know they have support from right across the business, they feel reassured as valued members of the team and they play a large role in helping to develop their return to work plan.

For more information on the Return to work Conference, Expo and Awards visit www.qcompconference.com.au

Read more safety news at www.safetyinaustralia.com.au

On Tuesday night, the state's highest performing employers and individuals were recognised at the annual Q-COMP Return to work Awards, a program rewarding acts of excellence, inspirational leadership and humbling personal journeys in the Queensland workers' compensation industry.

The nine winners from across the state were personally congratulated by the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Industrial Relations during the awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held on the evening of Q-COMP's first Return to work Conference and Expo, the awards showcase outstanding achievements by industry professionals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in helping injured workers return to work.

The inspiring efforts of workers are recognised too, with their stories of bravery, fighting spirit and determination in returning to their jobs after a workplace injury.

At the awards ceremony, courageous journeys were heard from injured workers across the state including Brisbane local Jamie Sunderland, who pursued a new career as a tattoo artist when he was unable to return to his twelve-year career in construction after both of his legs were crushed by several tonnes of steel while on the job.

Commendable efforts by large employers in supporting their injured workers were also showcased on the evening, such as KMART's people-focused strategy to managing work injury rolled out across Queensland stores, including their '555' approach, taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days.

Elizabeth Woods, Chief Executive Officer for Q-COMP, says the winners across all categories are examples of the outstanding work the awards seek to recognise.

"Our awards put forward the state's best in workplace rehabilitation and return to work practices, giving these deserving individuals and businesses the attention of the industry.

"The nine winners, who were selected from close to 500 nominations, have been recognised for taking an approach fitting with the theme of this year's awards: 'Above and Beyond', which celebrates the essential work undertaken to develop and improve a strong return to work culture plus commends the courageous journey an injured worker takes to return to their job."

Q-COMP hosted the awards program with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office, with the winners of the Work Safe Awards for 2010 also announced on the evening.

"It's fitting to recognise achievements in injury prevention and rehabilitation together, as it highlights the great work employers are doing to keep our workplaces safe plus acknowledges those employers who do the right thing if an injury does occur," Ms Woods says.

"The high standard and number of award nominations we received this year demonstrates the committed approach Queensland's employers and individuals take in supporting injured workers' through the workers' compensation process and back to a safe workplace. "

The winners, who received up to $2,000 in prize money, were announced at the ceremony as a highlight of Safe Work Australia Week which wraps up on Saturday 30 October.

RETURN TO WORK AWARDS 2010 WINNERS

Injured Worker Achievement Award - New career

Winner: Michael Castillo, Mooloolaba

Michael was working as a horse-breaker when a 500kg horse he was working with reared and fell on him. Despite substantial injuries and being unable to return to his previous job, Michael was determined to do what it would take to get back into the workforce and completed a Certificate III in carpentry, passing with flying colours. A fantastic example of what you can achieve with determination and a positive attitude, Michael is now happily self-employed as a carpenter specialising in home maintenance and improvements.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Return to work

Winner: Michael Labuc, Brisbane

Michael was riding his bicycle home from work when he was involved in an accident, breaking his leg in several places and requiring weeks in hospital. Needing an additional six months in an external frame fixator, Michael's injury left him severely restricted with his mobility. Facing some major lifestyle changes including having to move homes to accommodate his injury, Michael's incredible strength and character helped him confront his challenges head-on and succeed in getting back into the workforce as a Senior Data Administrator.

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Serious

Winner: Jamie Sunderland, Brisbane

Jamie had been working in construction for twelve years when several tonnes of steel collapsed on him while on the job, crushing both of his legs. Despite multiple surgeries and ongoing pain, Jamie was determined to get out of the house and back to work. Unable to meet the physical requirements of his former career, Jamie pursued his passion to become a tattoo artist and organised his own work placement while still recovering from his injuries. Jamie's strength and resolve to get back to work shows you can make the most out of every situation if you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Case Management Achievement Award

Winner: Stephen Wikman - WorkCover Queensland, Rockhampton

Stephen is a WorkCover Queensland Customer Advisor in WorkCover's Rockhampton's office, helping injured workers and their families through what can be emotional upheaval after a workplace injury. Stephen's high level of support, flexibility and openness he provides to injured workers throughout their workers' compensation claim and return to work is commendable. Stephen demonstrates a compassionate and understanding approach to help injured workers regain both their work and personal life.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Small/medium employer

Winner: Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd, Mt Cotton

Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd is a Queensland business involved in poultry processing and pet food

manufacturing. At Golden Cockerel, innovative ideas and a commitment to education and rehabilitation are a key focus which has helped the company not only increase their return to work rate, but also to decrease their workers' compensation premiums. Golden Cockerel gives their injured workers the tools they need to make a full and healthy return to work, such as engaging an Occupational Therapist on a weekly basis to help ensure successful return to work outcomes for both the worker and the employer.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Large employer

Winner: Ramsay Health Care, Moffat Beach

Ramsay Health Care is a global hospital group, operating117 hospitals and day surgery facilities across Australia. Ramsay Health Care's Queensland Workers' Compensation Team is committed to developing positive relationships with their injured workers by ensuring the rehabilitation and return to work process is managed in a coordinated approach, keeping workers feeling supported at all times. Their proactive response towards workplace injuries and availability of resources for injured workers such as reviews with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, gym memberships and assistance with transport puts forward Ramsay Health Care as a leader in the workers' compensation industry.

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Self-insured employer

Winner: KMART Australia, Brisbane

KMART's people-focused approach to managing work injury is a shining example of an understanding and considered approach to helping their injured workers. Their new strategy, which has been rolled out across Queensland stores, places an emphasis on early intervention with work injuries and developing 'stay at work' plans, all while keeping their injured workers feeling involved in their rehabilitation process right from the start. Their innovative '555' approach, which involves taking action in the first five minutes, five hours and five days highlights their great work and commitment to their injured workers.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Award - Self-insured employer

Winner: Gianina Saba - Qantas Airways, Brisbane

Gianina's role for Qantas as the Occupational Rehabilitation Manager for Queensland sees her building strong relationships with individuals who need support during a difficult period in their life. A role model for other industry professionals, Gianina takes a personalised approach in helping injured workers through their journey back to the workplace. Gianina's unwavering commitment to educating on the importance of preventing injury and building a healthy workplace is commendable.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Awards - WorkCover Queensland insured employer

Winner: Mark Kilmore - DPSA Holdings Pty Ltd, North Rockhampton

Having worked on a mine site himself, Mark is especially committed to the rehabilitation and return to work of DSPA Holding's injured workers in his role as the Group Safety and Systems Manager. Mark feels that a positive outcome is more likely to occur when all parties are working towards a common goal and he takes pride in achieving successful return to work solutions for both his injured workers and his employer. Mark's award winning approach ensures injured workers know they have support from right across the business, they feel reassured as valued members of the team and they play a large role in helping to develop their return to work plan.

For more information on the Return to work Conference, Expo and Awards visit www.qcompconference.com.au

Read more safety news at www.safetyinaustralia.com.au