Project: Helping injured workers get back into the workforce

WorkSafe Victoria’s WISE (WorkSafe Incentive Scheme for Employers) program recently helped an injured worker get back into the workforce and provided value to his new employer. The program also has the potential to help overcome Australia’s skills shortage.

Phil Pietsch from Jag Prestige Spares in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs took on Adrian Gower, a former windscreen fitter who had hurt his back, and transformed him into a salesman of spare parts for Jaguars and Daimler vehicles.

“It worked out perfectly,” said Pietsch. “Adrian is a good worker and a hard worker and puts in the hours. He’s happy, positive and gets the job done.

“Joining the WISE program was one of the easiest things we’ve done. I think return to work is great because I know how I would be if I was stuck at home with an injury and no one wanted to employ me.

“It was the right thing to do. We like to give people a go. I like the fact that I helped to give Adrian a chance at another job.

“It frees me and my business partner to do a little bit more, talk to customers and chase other business. Adrian’s been with us for three years now and we’ve never looked back.”

Gower said getting back to work after an injury could be hard if it was not possible to return to the old job: “Sometimes, it’s like no one wants to know you when you’ve got a work injury.

“I’m a workaholic, so I was pretty down, and it was nice to feel wanted and get back into the workforce. Some of the guys I work with had experienced injuries themselves, so they’ve been through what I have. They have an understanding and that’s good; I really look forward to coming to work.

“There are a lot of genuine people who just want to get back into the workforce and WISE provides lots of benefits for employers who take on a worker through this scheme. It’s great. I’d recommend to any company to give it a go; you’ve got nothing to lose!”

The program offers generous incentives to employers who provide ongoing employment to people who have been hurt at work but cannot return to their old job. The WISE register helps match employers’ job vacancies with these injured, but qualified and experienced workers.

The Director of WorkSafe’s Return to Work Division, Dorothy Frost, said workers were particularly sought in the trades, finance, property and community services: “All you need to do is register for WISE online, describe the sort of work you have available - not necessarily full-time - and some information about the job.”

Before starting a job through WISE, an assessment can be performed by an occupational rehabilitation expert to ensure that the duties are safe for the worker to perform. This reduces any concerns new employers may have.

Frost added: “At a time when there are serious skills shortages in some sectors, the WISE program is a good option to fill long-term gaps in the workplace. Most of the 28,000 workers injured at work in Victoria each year return to their old jobs quickly, but some cannot go back to their old job or employer.

“We want people who’ve been hurt at work to return to the workforce as soon as it’s safe to do so and, through the WISE program, we can help match jobs with people who are skilled, experienced and keen to work.

“Many people have considerable work capacity and want to get back into the workforce. WISE helps them move into new jobs, as well as assisting employers to build their business.”

WISE pays the new employer up to $26,000 over 12 months. In the unlikely event that the person is hurt again in the new workplace during the first year, the new claim is not included in the calculation of their WorkSafe Injury Insurance premium.