Working together, EML has helped The Barossa Co-op increase its ability to support injured workers and deliver positive return to work outcomes.
Based in the heart of the Barossa Valley, The Co-op is one of Australia’s most successful retail cooperatives with over 17,000 members and 350 employees.
Injury management system developed
Through Mutual Benefits, The Co-op worked together with EML and Pinnacle Workplace Consultants to develop Co-opSAFE, an injury management system which details the physical demands of over 25 individual Co-op job roles. Since 2010, Co-opSAFE has helped The Co-op reduce direct injury costs by 30%.
The Co-op includes a diverse range of job roles across its organisation. When an injured employee returns to work, Co-opSAFE matches the physical capacity of the injured employee to the functional demands of assessed roles, identifying suitable work options to aid with recovery and return to work.
Safer and faster return to work
Commenting on the success of Co-opSAFE, The Co-op’s People Relations Manager Paul Amos said, “The Co-op can now ensure job duties are modified to meet each injured employee’s physical capacity; gradually increasing as they recover and ultimately provide a safer and faster return to work outcome”.
EML case managers were also trained on how to use Co-opSAFE, improving the communication between EML, The Co-op and treating practitioners.
“Co-opSAFE is a fantastic example of where Mutual Benefits funding has been utilised to provide an innovative and tailored solution for our members. Co-opSAFE is delivering real results and is helping injured employees get their lives back after injury.” added Mutual Benefits Manager Jodie Bischoff