Literature reviews conducted on Australian Workplace Injury Management & Occupational Rehabilitation (WIM&OR) have revealed that WIM&OR is regarded by the statutory authorities administering the systems as one of the most effective tools to control work related injuries. Harrison & Allen (2001) explains firstly, that the majority of research in WIM&OR is aimed at exploring the effectiveness of WIM&OR systems from the employer’s point of view in regards to reducing claims cost, Lost Time Injuries (LTI) and Return to Work (RTW) rates. And secondly that there is limited research in the understanding of WIM&OR especially for self-insured organisations.
This research question aims to examine the injured workers views and understanding of the effectiveness of early intervention and communication, RTW barriers and motivational factors of WIM&OR from the injured workers point of view. Research on this topic is expected to identify areas of improvement and highlight any barriers faced by the injured workers within WIM&OR in self-insured organisations. Due to the lack of research of WIM&OR within self-insured organisations, this research will be conducted within Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) a self-insured organisation in N.S.W.
Research into the barriers and motivational factors of injured workers within the WIM&OR arena will provide a greater understanding of an injured workers motivation and RTW barriers faced by injured workers. This knowledge can then be used to identify areas of improvement within the SWAHS and provide a basis for further quantitative research to meet the 40% reduction in compensation claims as stated by the N.S.W Premiers Department public Sector OHS and Injury Management Strategy for 2005 – 200 ...