Better@Work – Sam’s fractured ankle
Sam is a factory technician who fractured his ankle at work. On his initial visit to his GP, he was given a medical certificate stating he was ‘unfit for work,’ and he was signed off for three weeks.
Sam was faced with the prospect of weeks at home doing nothing, on a reduced income and with little social connection – no more Friday night drinks with his work mates, loss of contact with what was going on at work and, for his employer, the loss of an important and productive worker.
Intervention by Better@Work co-ordinator
But Sam was enrolled in a PHO which offers Better@Work, and within hours of seeing Sam, his GP referred his case to the PHO’s Better@Work coordinator.
The GP knew it would be better for Sam’s mental and physical health if he could somehow stay connected to his workplace and get back there as soon as possible. The GP was confident the Better@Work coordinator would create a plan that would safely and appropriately keep Sam at work.
Next day, Sam received a call from a Better@Work coordinator whose’ objective was to work with Sam, his employer and his GP to identify what he could do and get him back into work as soon as possible, connected to his job and away from the boredom of daytime TV.
Sam detailed his job and his duties and how his injury was affecting him, leaving the coordinator, in partnership with his employer and GP, to build a plan for Sam’s return to work. His employer’s input was minimal, but crucial – they identified useful and productive alternative duties that Sam could do, and demonstrated a willingness to co-operate in getting Sam back to work. All the coordination was done by the Better@Work co-ordinator.
It was clear that Sam’s mobility was an issue, so the plan initially called for him to work from home using a company laptop connected to the business. When he was ready to return to the factory, the plan called for an occupational therapist to oversee each step and, with the support of his GP and his employer, Sam learned safe ways of performing a range of modified duties, while still in recovery.
Outcome
- Sam’s employer benefited from Sam’ continuing productivity – he was able to use Sam’s knowledge of machinery parts, which enabled him to check inventories and review orders from home – freeing up another employee to get on with urgent orders.
- Sam’s GP was able to deliver first class service which addressed Sam’s broader health and welfare needs.
- Sam benefited because he was able to avoid depression and lack of motivation, and retained 100% of his income.
Stay at Work – John’s cut knee
John lacerated his knee while working on a construction site. He was initially signed off by his GP as fully unfit for work for three weeks, due to infection and while waiting for a consultant appointment regarding damage to his knee. Three weeks is a long time to be inactive, and research shows that even short periods out of work can be psychologically damaging. Also, John’s employer was keen to help John get back to work as soon as possible so that productivity could be maintained.
Intervention by SAW co-ordinator
John’s GP made a claim to ACC on his behalf, and it was sent to ACC’s Short Term Claims Centre to manage. The Case Co-ordinator referred his claim to a SAW vendor in his region.
The SAW coordinator knew it would be best for John if he could somehow remain connected to his workplace and get back to work as soon as possible. He worked with John’s GP and employer to create a plan that would safely keep John at work, which involved amending the work certificate to one week off work as fully unfit for work, with a return to work as fit for selected duties.
Despite being a challenging work space for someone with a knee injury, due to glass pieces and construction clutter on the floor, the client returned to part time work for up to four hours daily, the work depending on John’s ability to work and job availability. The tasks they identified removed John from further potential injury and enabled him to remain engaged and productive: measuring and quoting for new jobs.
This has been supported by an integrated rehabilitation approach involving tailored exercises. ACC also provided a perching stool, which enabled John to get on with a range of tasks. He maintained his new work regimen while awaiting surgery, after which he was given further rehabilitation (specific leg exercises) through the SAW service and returned to his job full time.
Outcome
- John benefited from being able to remain at work and retain his income while awaiting further treatment
- his employer reported satisfaction with the programme and benefited from continued productivity from Sam
- his GP was able to provide timely and quality care with the support of the SAW service
- his GP was also confident in amending the ACC18 on the basis of alternative duties
- all parties benefited from the communication opportunities created by the SAW Co-ordinator.