Insurer Report

2011 is set to be a good year for Richlands local Tim Bailey as he finally returns to the workforce after suffering a severe back injury in 2009 whilst working as a mechanic.

 

Not able to go back to his original career, Tim is now sharing his passion with the next generation of young mechanics in his new role as a course trainer with Trades Recognition Australia which he started at the end of 2010.

 

An experienced diesel fitter mechanic, Mr Bailey was told by doctors that he would be unable to return to his physically demanding pre-injury position, and after his workers' compensation claim was finalised, Mr Bailey found himself without a job.

 

Tim contacted Return to work assist, the free service that connects people who have suffered a workplace injury and are without jobs, with training and job placement services.

 

The team at Return to work assist worked with Tim to keep him working in the field he loves, whilst accommodating his back injury.  Return to work assist organised for Tim to meet with Trades Recognition Australia where he undertook his Cert IV in Training and Assessment.

 

"My Return to work assist advisor was extremely helpful; she put me in contact with the people I'm currently working for, and really did assist and guide me, and helped me decide the best way to go. She checked in with me every couple of weeks to see how I was going, and she even followed up with me a few weeks after I started my new job." Tim says

 

Tim was offered a job with Trades Recognition Australia upon completion of this training and is now a course trainer with the organisation.

 

Tim says what he loves most about his new role as a course trainer is being able to use the knowledge he already had to help other people get qualified.

 

Sonia Minniecon, Return to work assist Manager at Q-COMP couldn't be more pleased with Tim's success: "Getting injured at work doesn't have to mean the end of your career.  Return to work assist gives Queenslanders options if they find themselves out of work because of an injury".

 

A legislation change from 1 July 2010 made referral to Return to work assist mandatory for all insurers that close a claim where the worker is unable to return to their former employer for whatever reason.

 

To find out more about Return to work assist, you can visit our website or call 1300 023 969.