Time is running out to nominate for the Return to work Awards 2010

What motivates a person to return to work after injury?

As nominations flow in from all over Queensland for the state's most prestigious Return to work Awards, Q-COMP asks the question of case managers, Rehabilitation and return to work coordinators, injured workers and employers who have all been a part of a successful return to work program.

With almost 300 nominations received across four award categories, Q-COMP is reaching out to anyone in the state who deserves to be recognised by the industry and their peers to submit an awards application before the close of nominations on 2 July 2010.

The theme for this year's awards, "Above & Beyond", celebrates the essence of what this event is all about; the essential work undertaken to develop and improve a strong return to work culture.

Nominating is quick and easy, and can be done by an individual wishing to share their motivations or by a friend who thinks there is someone who deserves the acknowledgement of the industry.

Q-COMP's Return to work Awards 2010 has four categories, consisting of nine awards covering all aspects of the return to work process.

Lesley Crawley, a winner from the Injured Worker Achievement Award category at the 2009 Return to work Awards, believes participating in the awards was an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward her motivation during the rehabilitation and eventual return to work.

"Q-COMP's awards are an amazing initiative that really captures how hard people with an injury have to work to rejoin the workplace. Motivation is essential when returning to work after a serious injury and to be recognised for this effort is a wonderful feeling," said Ms Crawley.

Elizabeth Woods, Chief Executive Officer for Q-COMP, is overwhelmed by the significant number of strong award nomination applications already received.

"The Return to work Awards is giving individuals and organisations the opportunity to gain the recognition of their family, friends and peers as well as the workers' compensation industry. Q-COMP has already received close to 300 nominations for the Awards, but with the nomination closing date approaching, it is important everyone gets an opportunity to have their efforts rewarded," said Ms Woods.

"The huge success of last year's awards provided some amazing motivational stories and we are very much looking forward to building on this success in 2010.

With nine award categories for injured workers, employers, case managers and Rehabilitation and return to work coordinators, our awards ensure that everyone who goes above and beyond in their role is given an opportunity to shine and receive the recognition they deserve."

The Return to work Awards recognises each finalist with a certificate, and each award winner is to receive up to $2,000 in prize money.

The Return to work Conference and Expo is free and open to everyone who has an active interest in the industry. The expo remains open and available for anyone to attend, while the Conference will be capped to a limit of 300 delegates.

Nominations forms, inspirational stories of previous award finalists and winners and a video with more information about the awards are available at qcompconference.com.au