Some people experience work-related distress, harm or injury that significantly impacts their health. These can be physical or mental health injuries.
Examples of physical injuries:
Examples of mental health injuries and conditions:
If you experience a mental injury at work, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
If you’re in immediate danger or experience a serious injury at work, call 000 or ask someone to do it for you.
Depending on the injury, you may need to take some time away from work to access treatment or support.
The WorkSafe Victoria website provides detailed information about:
You can also call the WorkSafe:
If someone in your team or workplace sustains an injury, you can follow these key steps:
Visit WorkSafe website for a guide on what to do if a worker is injured. The guide has information on:
You can find more information in the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013. The Act has information for Victorian workers on insurance, workers compensation, claims, rehabilitation and more.
A work-related injury or illness can greatly impact your life and recovery should be your number one priority.
Returning to work after an injury can feel overwhelming for some people. But research shows that getting back to work can be good for your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Employers are obligated to support employees to return to work.
The WorkSafe Victoria website has return to work guides and information for:
Research shows that managers have the most influence in supporting a successful return to work.
The support you give someone should be tailored to their individual circumstances and needs.
The Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework has a guide for supporting the recovery-at-work and return-to-work of an employee.
The same principles apply to people returning from work-related and non-work-related absences like parental, personal or study leave.
The guide includes:
When planning your approach, you should reflect on your relationship with your employee.
For example, if you and your team member have issues communicating, offer an alternative contact person they feel more comfortable talking to.
Key things to keep in mind: