When Victorian workers are injured, getting back to work isn’t easy.
A sustainable return to work is an important part of recovery, and it starts with keeping the conversation open.
That’s why the Carroll Labor Government launching a new campaign to remind everyone that recovery is a shared responsibility and working together leads to better outcomes for workers and their employers.
A new campaign from WorkSafe ‘Keep talking. Keep planning. Keep at it.’ will appear on television, radio, online, print advertising, as well as on social media, billboards and multicultural media.
The campaign addresses common barriers that can prevent injured workers from returning to work.
Evidence shows the longer a person remains off work, the greater the impact on their health and wellbeing.
The campaign tells the real and personal stories of workers Caitlin, Progress and Maree.
They worked with their employers and health teams to stay in touch and explore flexible options.
It meant they got back to work sooner and safer.
Their stories underscore the importance of talking, collaborating and staying flexible in planning a return to work.
The campaign is part of WorkSafe’s strategy to increase return to work rates by 10 per cent over five years.
This includes Labor’s plan to deliver $50 million to trial innovative programs and initiatives to improve return to work outcomes – with more than 24 projects, involving more than 300 organisations, funded so far.
In 2025/26, WorkSafe supported more than 26,800 workers to get back to work safely, with the percentage of workers returning within six months increasing to more than 71 per cent.
For more information visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/return-to-work
As stated by the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Steve Dimopoulos
“A workplace injury can be devastating, but recovery is strongest when people stay connected to their community, their family and the things that give them purpose – including work.”
“Labor has always known that work is about more than a pay packet. It’s about dignity, security and purpose. This new campaign is about supporting more Victorians to recover sooner and get back to the life they enjoy.”
As stated by WorkSafe Executive Director Return to Work Victoria Jason Lardelli
“People are capable of amazing resilience, persistence and recovery, especially after an injury, but we can’t underestimate the positive difference that having a supportive, flexible and compassionate employer can make in helping an injured worker get back to work.”
Progress, maintenance fitter
“Last year I was badly burnt in a workplace accident. My employer set up the right conditions to enable me to be comfortable coming back to work – even setting me up to work in a different role until I was able to return to my usual shift.”
“While you recover, it’s important to protect your mental health and stay positive. With the help of your employer and supports, it’s up to you to work together and make the best of things.”
Maree, school business manager
“Recovering from a psychological injury took a lot of work, but having the support of my employer, return to work coordinator, psychologist and family has made it possible.”
“Getting back to work has given me a sense of purpose again.”
Caitlin, senior nurse
“Recovering from a spinal injury was hard, but everybody at work kept checking in on me. Initially we found a way for me to do shorter days, but my goal was always to be back in a clinical space and I achieved that.
“It’s great to be back doing what I do well.”
