OHS and RTW can become fragmented if OHS staff focus solely on preventing injuries rather than working with the Return To Work coordinator (RTWC) on the broader aspects of occupational health and workplace wellbeing.

While some OHS managers' duties encompass the role of RTWC, problems can arise when OHS professionals do not have an understanding of the role of the RTWC. There are also lessons that can be learned from the RTW journey which can be applied directly to preventative measures. When OHS does not work in cooperation with the RTWC, these lessons can't be fed back and the opportunities for improvement are missed.

Promoting an inclusive relationship that understanding the perspectives of both OHS & RTW offers the injured worker more support when they return to the workplace.

Return to Work Matters can help safety professionals clarify the grey area between the roles:

• Health and safety - While we don't replace publications with a pure OHS focus, our health and safety articles look at the correlations between the two areas. For example, where research has shown that safety incentive programs can cause under-reporting of injuries.
• Workplace interventions - Interventions that help improve preventative measures and return to work. Ticking boxes does not always produce the best outcomes.
• Communication - Any professional can benefit from improving their communication skills. Our articles include active listening skills, understanding communication styles and how communication they can influence OHS and the RTW process.
• Health and productivity - Information on the benefits and lessons of successful health and wellbeing strategies that build a culture of health in your workplace.
• Stress - Preventative measures and cooperation are vital in reducing psychological injury claims. By the time the RTWC hears about the problem it is often too late to change perceptions and implement interventions. Big lessons can be learned and conditions improved for employees.
• Work causation - While OHS may have all the physical hazards covered, what about the non-physical hazards that can have a major influence on work related musculoskeletal disorders? You'll find articles on assessing the risk and managing the hazards when work causation is not clear cut.

HR and OHS professionals in your organisation should be included in your Return to Work Matters membership. Group memberships start at $792 for 6 staff members ($132 per person) annually. Join today and receive the Injury and Case Management Handbook, the Workplace Systems Handbook & The Health and Wellbeing Toolkit for business, as a thank you for becoming a Group Member. 

Corporate group memberships are capped at $3300 inc gst for an unlimited number of staff to access these resources. Contact cherylgriffiths@rtwmatters.org to find out more information about how Return to Work Matters can tailor a membership package to suit your organisation's needs.