Injury and Illness support

PWSS is committed to supporting ill or injured MOP(S) Act employees through tailored support and interventions.

PWSS is committed to creating a safe and healthy working environment for MOP(S) Act employees. PWSS provides an early intervention program that reduces the risk of workplace injury and illness through an integrated approach focused on preventing workplace harm, promoting positive aspects of work and supporting employees who require assistance.

Early intervention is about acting early to minimise the impact and duration of emerging symptoms of workplace injury and helps employees access early and appropriate treatment and support.

Early intervention is important for both physical and psychological health conditions and can include access to:

• treatment
• ergonomic and worksite assessments
• allied health services
• workplace rehabilitation services.

Early intervention is also able to support employees with non-work related illnesses or injuries that impact their ability to participate fully in the workplace.

Managers play an important role in supporting staff wellbeing. They can help staff identify early symptoms of physical or psychological workplace injury and refer them to early intervention services to minimise the impact and duration of the illness or injury.

Early intervention is most effective if it occurs on the first day symptoms occur however, may still be effective in the following few weeks or months. Rehabilitation should start as soon as practical once an injury or illness appears. 

In some instances where an injury has already occurred or been present for a while, workers compensation may be a more appropriate avenue for support.

Benefits of early intervention

Early intervention programs have been found to have a positive effect for employees, including:

• improved recovery outcomes
• increased capacity to remain at work
• reduced length of time away from work
• reduced likelihood of further absence due to sickness.