WorkSafe has unveiled a new grants program aimed at unleashing creativity and accelerating game-changing solutions to improving return to work outcomes.
Grants of up to $500,000 are currently available for new initiatives and programs taking a collaborative and holistic approach to ‘recovery through work’ for Victorians with a work-related physical injury.
Return to Work Victoria executive director Jason Lardelli said that research strongly supported the value of injured workers staying connected with colleagues during their recovery and returning to modified, meaningful work – when it’s safe to do so.
“We thought a lot about our theme for this grant round and for me, the key word is ‘through’ – emphasising the potential for work as a means to recovery for injured workers, not just an end point,” Mr Lardelli said.
Return to Work Victoria Innovations is investing $50 million over three years into pilots, grants and one-off projects to trial new approaches to improving outcomes for injured workers.
The latest funding targets interventions in manufacturing, construction, transport, postal and warehousing – industries that statistically struggle to get injured people back to work at the right time, and in the right way.
More than a third of all claims for physical injuries in the workplace accepted by WorkSafe in the past financial year came from those sectors.
Mr Lardelli said collaboration with employers, unions, industry groups and peak bodies was essential to reimagining the recovery experience.
“Whether it’s adopting new technologies, uplifting education and capability, removing return to work barriers, or forging partnerships to drive innovation – we are excited to see how diverse organisations across Victoria rise to this opportunity,” he said.
Grant applications can be submitted online until Friday 14 November.
Eligibility criteria and funding exclusions apply.
Details: worksafe.vic.gov.au/return-work-innovations-grants
