Why is early intervention important | Safety Australia Group

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Early intervention practices have proven to be more effective in fostering a happy and healthy workplace as it promotes a workplace that is supportive and committed to the health and wellbeing of workers. Healthy workers in general are more productive and have better overall morale.

Workers exhibiting early warning signs of not coping at work should be supported through a health and wellbeing program or early intervention strategy which will help them avoid the financial, health and emotional impacts on themselves and their family.

Employers that ignore the early warning signs are more susceptible to a workplace injury occurring which could lead to additional costs associated with that injury.

The direct and indirect cost to the employer such as an increase to their workers compensation premium if the worker needs time off, lost productivity, training and the adverse effects on co-workers, could ultimately cost more in the long term than what it would to set up a health & wellbeing program.

An organisation should have robust injury management policies and guidelines in place supported by training. Training will help employers and supervisors to understand the injury management process and identify the early warning signs. A return to work coordinator is an employee nominated by an employer or a contractor engaged for the role who can assist in this process. They will work closely with workers and their supervisors to create an environment that encourages safe work practices and early reporting of injuries.

If an injury has occurred, employers must ensure that the injured worker is supported and that they are given assistance to either remain at or return to safe and sustainable work. Returning to work quickly and safely benefits both the employer and worker.

All employers have legal obligations including the need to appoint a return to work coordinator for premiums or wages over a certain threshold. If you are not sure it is best to check with the regulator in your state or Territory.