Case Study 1: Return to work with the same employer
A large cleaning company employs Ljubica as a full time cleaner. She was referred us for Case management following a back injury. Her job is labour intensive and requires long periods of walking, standing, and reaching or bending to different levels. A consultant with experience in the cleaning industry was allocated to the case. To determine suitable duties we undertook an initial/workplace assessment.
The assessment methodology included:
- observation of tasks being performed
- interviewing the worker and employer
- reference to relevant standards eg, Manual Handling code of practice
The assessment revealed that Ljubica could not work at the same rate as co-workers and was only certified fit to perform 2 hours per day. A RTW plan was developed in consultation with Ljubica, her employer and her doctor and was signed by all parties. The employer was able to accommodate reduced hours and Ljubica was able to remain in her employment.
Ongoing Rehabilitation services were provided which included: workplace reviews; functional education; use of adaptive equipment; liaison with relevant parties; negotiations with the NTD to agree on upgrades; development and implementation of the RTW plan and effective communication with all stakeholders.
Within 3 months, Ljubica was back at work full time doing her pre-injury duties. This was monitored and was shown to be sustained 13 weeks post injury.
Case Study 2: Early Intervention Services
Leanne is employed in the communications industry as a Marketing Director. Her job requires her to sit at a workstation for 70% of her time. Leanne was experiencing pain due to postural abnormalities in her right upper arm and back. In line with the employer's strategy and our own approach to early intervention, a workplace assessment was conducted within 24 hours and a report completed within 3 days.
Issues identified included:
- incorrect positioning of equipment such as the keyboard and visual display unit
- desk height was too low and chair was not suitable
- Leanne's role was demanding, working 10 hours daily and she took very few breaks
Recommendations made to ensure that Leanne could work comfortably and safely included: purchase of new ergonomic keyboard, monitor raiser and chair. Education was provided regarding correct posture, task variety and pause stretch exercises. Leanne was advised to obtain approval from her doctor to seek physiotherapy intervention and ongoing support. Following discussion with Leanne and her employer it was agreed she reduce her hours, and work only 8 hours a day for 3 months.
At a 3 month review Leanne's pain had gone and she resumed working longer hours only when deemed necessary.
Case Study 3: Return to work with a new employer
John, a Senior Police Constable, was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a physical attack at work and was unable to return to his pre-injury employment.
Following referral, we performed a vocational assessment to identify appropriate vocational goals. As part of this assessment, we obtained a comprehensive outline of John’s previous work history, interest areas, personality factors, work aptitudes and abilities, and work capacities. As a result of the PTSD John was unable to work in large groups of people or high pressure environments. He also had a preference for autonomy in his work. The assessment considered his previous work history in labouring positions and pre-injury wage. Vocational areas of national parks field officer, plant machine operator, truck driver and store person were identified.
We worked with John to develop and agree clear vocational goals based on the findings of the vocational assessment. These were agreed by his treating doctor. A tailored redeployment program was developed with John consisting of retraining (plant machine tickets), Job Seeking Training (covering topics such as resume development, cold canvass techniques, injury disclosure, interview techniques). We also provided Active Job Search services to John supporting him in preparing cold canvass campaigns and applying for advertised positions.
Following a period of intensive job seeking, John was successful in securing and sustaining full-time employment as a plant machine operator at a pay rate above his pre-injury earnings.
The names of all workers have been changed to ensure confidentiality.