On Tuesday 26 October 2010, 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 (pictured below) 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.
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 Award - 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