Getting Injured Workers Safely Back On The Job

Labor is backing injured workers to recover, get back to work and get on with their lives.

Eight projects will share more than $3 million through Labor’s Return to Work Victoria Innovations grants, announced in Bendigo today.

They target manufacturing, construction, transport and warehousing – industries behind more than a third of Victoria’s accepted physical injury claims. Where the injuries are, the support goes.

Eight projects sharing in more than $3 million include:

• Recovre – practical support for supervisors and injured workers to promote recovery through work.
• Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union – a dedicated return to work officer and toolkit for manufacturing.
• Ansa Health – wearable sensors and AI motion analysis to speed up recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.
• Geelong Manufacturing Council – peer mentoring, supervisor training and a recovery dashboard.
• Liminal VR – AI smart glasses guiding construction workers returning to work on modified duties.
• Ventura Transport – early intervention to match injured workers to suitable duties faster.
• Nabenet – tools for construction supervisors through the critical first 52 weeks of recovery.
• Recovery Partners – early intervention, psychosocial screening and a central register of suitable duties.

Up to $1.25 million for the next big idea

Applications are now open for Labor’s Return to Work Innovation Trials – up to $1.25 million per trial over two years.

Consortia will design, test and scale fixes that change the whole system. Applications close 2pm, Friday 27 November at worksafe.vic.gov.au/return-work-innovations-trials.

The grants and trials build on Labor’s $50 million investment in Return to Work Victoria. More than 30 initiatives have been funded so far, with more than 470 organisations taking part across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Jeff Kennett ripped common law rights from injured workers. Labor restored them for the seriously injured. Now Jess Wilson’s Liberal–One Nation Coalition is promising $40 billion in cuts.

Only Labor will fight for working people and invest in their safety.

Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Steve Dimopoulos

“Every worker deserves to return home safely. And if they get hurt, they deserve a supported path back to work.”

“From factory floors and worksites to loading docks, we’re delivering practical support where it can make the biggest difference.”

“A workplace injury should never cost you your livelihood. Labor will always have your back.”