State Government launches Getting Back return to work campaign

The State Government today launched Getting Back, a new return to work campaign aimed at supporting injured workers.

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Curtis Pitt said the campaign encourages injured workers, employers and medical professionals to embrace strategies and practices to get more injured workers to recover at work.

“Getting Back aims to ensure rehabilitation and return to work are a priority for workers and employers,” Mr Pitt said.

“If a worker is absent from the workplace, the campaign encourages them to return to work as soon as they can.

“We know that in many cases getting back to work is the best thing for an injured worker.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, who today launched the campaign in Cairns on behalf of the Treasurer, said being off work for long periods could significantly reduce the likelihood of an injured worker ever returning to work.

“If a person is off work for even 20 days, the chance of ever getting back to work drops to 70 per cent,” Mr Crawford said.

“And if that time off extends to 70 days, the chance of ever getting back to work is as little as 35 per cent.

“Queenslanders injured at work should be encouraged to return to work when they can do so. This has been recognised by occupational physicians who recognise the vital role work plays in any rehabilitation process.

“Injured workers should talk to their doctor and employer about the tasks they can do rather than those they can’t, and then set a date to return to work.”

Mr Pitt said businesses could benefit from reduced premiums, increased productivity and lower costs to train temporary or replacement staff by assisting workers to return to work.

For more information visit worksafe.qld.gov.au/gettingback.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548