XSTRATA Mount Isa Mines says its efforts to get injured workers back to work has been recognised in a nomination for Queensland’s first Return to Work Awards.
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines Crew Supervisor Tony Seng was involved in a workplace accident in November 2007, resulting in burns to 17% of his body.
With the help of workmates and the Xstrata Injury Management Team, as well as a rehabilitation and return to work program, Seng says he returned to his pre-injury job full-time in less than twelve months.
According to Seng, his boss and colleagues offered overwhelming support, visiting him in hospital, checking up on his condition, helping out, and engaging in banter to keep his spirits up.
His workmates also installed split system air conditioning units at Seng’s home, to provide relief from his burns during the Mount Isa summer.
The return to full-time work was over an eight month period, using a suitable duties program designed by Seng and Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’ Injury Management Team.
According to Xstrata’s return to work coordinator Breda Watterston, the successful return to work was a result of Tony’s personal strength and courage, as well as the workings of a collaborative approach to injury management.
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines and Tony Seng are entering the Return to Work Awards 2009, an awards program being run Q-COMP, Queensland’s Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Authority.
The program recognises excellence by employers, rehabilitation and return to work coordinators, and injured workers, in workplace rehabilitation and return to work. Entries close on 31 July 2009, and the awards evening will take place after the Work Safe and Return to Work Expo 2009.
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