Guidance, research and initiatives

Workers’ compensation scheme grants

Workers’ Psychological Support Service – There was a 104 per cent increase in the demand for the Workers’ Psychological Support Service during the October to December 2024 quarter with a total of 299 referrals received. 202 clients were successfully supported by the service through connecting them and their families with community support networks.

Workers’ Compensation Information Advisory Service (Workers) - 272 clients accessed this service during the October to December 2024 quarter.  The most common reason for accessing the service related to applications for statutory/common law applications for compensation, followed by reviews of insurer decisions.

Workers’ Compensation Information Advisory Service (Employers) - 41 employers accessed this service during the October to December 2024 quarter.  Two webinars relating to effects of the recent legislative amendments to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 on employers was provided during this period.

The most common reason for contact related to an employer’s roles and responsibilities relating to the return-to-work process and how to support injured workers and those workers who are experiencing mental ill health.

All services are independent of the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) and offer free and confidential advice and support.

Medical research

The OIR funded medical research into occupational lung dust diseases is progressing as expected.

Mental injury resource for employers

The Guiding the way: responding to mental injury at work resource was launched in September 2024. Developed in consultation with scheme stakeholders including representatives of employers, the Small Business Commissioner, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and WorkCover Queensland, the resource provides consistent, simple and practical advice to help employers proactively identify and respond to a worker who is experiencing a work-related psychological injury or poor mental health.

Setting out five simple steps, the resource links employers to free, independent and confidential support services to assist them support their worker and create a mentally healthy workplace. Visit the Guiding the way webpage.

National Return to Work Survey 2025

Safe Work Australia continues to work with all Australian workers’ compensation jurisdictions, including Queensland to prepare for the 2025 National Return to Work Survey. The survey seeks to gather important information on return to work outcomes and experiences for workers and employers.

Thank you to Queensland insurers for providing injured worker contact details in preparation for the implementation of the survey.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work e-bulletin

7,534 Queenslanders subscribe to this bi-monthly e-bulletin to stay updated on evidence informed rehabilitation and return to work news, learning and development opportunities as well as practical tips for employers on how to assist injured workers make an early and safe return to work.  Articles relating to psychosocial safety and injury specific case studies are popular among our subscribers. Contact us at wcr.education@oir.qld.gov.au with education needs or suggestions for future topics.

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