An early intervention program underway at Lake Macquarie City Council is paying dividends in improving staff wellbeing and reducing lost time injuries.
Manager People and Culture Sarah Chessor said the program encouraged employees to report any early warning signs of work-related illnesses or injuries as said.
“Implemented effectively, our staff remain healthy and injury-free, and less time is lost organisation-wide as a result of staff needing time off.”
Under the program, staff with symptoms call a safety hotline or report their issue to a supervisor or Work Health and Safety Business Partner, triggering a triage process to determine the best injury prevention activities and possible treatment.
“It could be something as simple as an ergonomic assessment of a desk-space, substituting equipment or rotating staff in and out of particular duties,” Ms Chessor said.
“Or we can seek out specialised treatment with physiotherapists, exercise physiologists or psychologists, on a case-by-case basis.”soon as they experienced symptoms, rather than waiting until the symptoms progressed to a diagnosed condition.
“We’re aiming to tackle work-related health issues before they become a significant problem, which is a win-win for employees and us as an organisation,” she
Ms Chessor said the program wasn’t just about improving the lives of staff at work.
“It’s educating employees about how raising concerns early – before things are ‘broken’ – can benefit their lives at home, whether it’s playing with the kids, playing sport or partaking in a favourite pastime.”
Lake Mac Council is only seven months into a 12-month trial, but results are already positive.
Ms Chessor said staff taking up the program were an even mix of males and females, and outdoor and indoor workers.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in participation each month, and there has certainly been a downward trend in our lost time injury frequency rates since the program started.”
“Importantly, employees have provided really positive feedback, both about the early treatment they’ve received, and the fact it’s a more straightforward and friendly process to report emerging symptoms.”
