Sam Bennett, a highly skilled osteopath and manager, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the APM WorkCare team in Tasmania.
With a Master of Health Science in Osteopathy and a Bachelor of Clinical Science, Sam has dedicated nearly a decade to the fields of osteopathy and workplace safety.
Including experience as a team manager in Melbourne before taking up the branch manager role in Tasmania.
As a Vic WorkSafe OES subject matter expert and experienced in ergonomic assessments, including vehicle ergonomics, Sam is at the forefront of ensuring workplaces are both safe and healthy.
Outside of supporting employers and injured workers, Sam is a keen golfer, plays guitar in a band, and is a huge fan of Essendon Football Club.
Here he shares some of the insights and advice to employers starting with how to support safe and health workplaces.
5 tips to maintain safe and healthy workplaces
- Establish safety protocols: Create clear safety standards for your industry. Update them regularly and train all employees. Conduct drills and audits to ensure compliance.
- Encourage open communication: Make it easy for employees to report safety concerns and health issues. Use anonymous reporting systems and hold regular feedback sessions.
- Prioritise ergonomics: Design the workplace to prevent strain and injury with ergonomic furniture, good lighting, and tools. Regularly assess and adjust the workspace to fit employees' needs.
- Focus on mental health: Support mental health with counselling, stress management programs, and work-life balance initiatives. Promote regular breaks and a positive, inclusive culture.
- Regular training and updates: Continuously educate staff on health and safety practices, including first aid and emergency procedures. Keeping everyone informed helps prevent accidents and prepares them for unexpected situations.
Managing workplace injuries and return to work
When it comes to managing workplace injuries and ensuring employees return to work smoothly, Sam shares his essential advice for employers.
“Creating a return to work policy before you actually need one is vital,” Sam says.
Understanding the tasks and duties in your workplace and how they can be modified for an injured worker is crucial for an early return.
“Data shows that if a worker is off for 45 days, their chance of returning drops to 50%, and it decreases further with more time off”, Sam adds.
Sam emphasises the importance of collaboration with professionals.
“Engage with your insurance company, occupational rehabilitation consultants, and medical professionals to develop effective return to work programs.
“These experts can guide accommodations, modifications, and rehabilitation practices tailored to the needs of recovering employees.
“Involving an occupational rehabilitation consultant early in the process can save up to 9% in total claims costs.”2
He continues, “Implement reasonable adjustments for the returning employee. This might include flexible hours, ergonomic adjustments, reduced workload, or alternative duties.
“Workers don't need to be 100% fit to return to work. It’s about making sensible modifications that allow them to contribute effectively while they recover.”
Sam stresses the need for open communication to alleviate an employee’s anxiety and ease the transition back to work.
“It’s important they feel supported and understood,” he says.
Finally, Sam highlights the need for ongoing support.
“After the employee returns, closely monitor their progress. Be prepared to make further adjustments and provide ongoing support.
“Regular check-ins can help identify any additional needs or adjustments to improve their comfort and performance.”
Sam’s key strategies for managing workplace injuries
- Develop a strategy: Create a return to work policy before it’s needed.
- Engage with professionals: Collaborate with insurance companies, rehabilitation consultants, and medical professionals.
- Implement reasonable adjustments: Make sensible modifications to accommodate the returning employee.
- Maintain communication: Keep open lines of communication to support the injured employee.
- Monitor and adapt: Provide ongoing support and make necessary adjustments after the employee’s return.
To learn more about how Sam and the APM WorkCare team can support your workplace, email workcare@apm.net.au
Or contact Sam directly at samuel.bennett@apm.net.au
References
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Realising the Health Benefits of Work, 2011, www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/realising-the-health-benefits-of-work.pdf
- Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association, The Return on Investment for Workplace Rehabilitation Position Paper, 2021, arpa.org.au www.arpa.org.au/workplace-rehabilitation/position-papers/the-return-on-investment-for-workplace-rehabilitation