Melbourne, VIC – The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) has been recognized for its innovative approach to supporting employees returning to work after injury, securing the Leading Return to Work Practice Award at the 2025 WorkSafe Awards on February 26th. This prestigious accolade highlights a fundamental shift in the hospital’s injury management philosophy, prioritizing collaboration between injured workers and their managers to foster a truly supportive recovery environment.
Traditionally, return-to-work programs can often feel bureaucratic and detached. RMH’s transformation addresses this directly by redefining roles within its Injury Management Team. The new model emphasizes a partnership approach, moving away from a purely administrative function to one that actively champions the needs of injured employees and facilitates open communication with their supervisors. This proactive stance aims to reduce barriers to recovery and promote a sense of value and inclusion.
The 2025 WorkSafe Awards celebrated eight winners across seven categories, acknowledging exceptional dedication to workplace health and safety and the inspiring journeys of individuals returning to work after injury. WorkSafe Victoria CEO Cathy Henderson praised the high caliber of submissions, stating, “The quality of this year’s entries was outstanding and I want to congratulate all of our finalists along with the worthy award winners.” She further emphasized the importance of recognizing both resilience and preventative measures, adding, “It’s inspiring to hear stories of resilience from those who have returned to work after injury and see the meaningful contribution of those dedicated to protecting the health and safety of their colleagues and workers across Victoria.”
Beyond RMH: Recognizing Excellence in Victorian Workplace Safety
The WorkSafe Awards serve as a crucial platform for showcasing best practices in occupational health and safety across Victoria. Beyond RMH’s leading return-to-work program, several other organizations and individuals were honored for their commitment to creating safer and more supportive workplaces. These awards demonstrate that a proactive and people-centered approach to safety isn’t just ethically sound, but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce.
Seymour Whyte received recognition in the OHS Leadership/Achievement category, while Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre was lauded for its Excellence in Preventing and Managing Psychosocial Risk. Warakirri Cropping demonstrated innovative solutions in Farm Safety, and Maree McLean (St Mary’s Primary School Swan Hill) and Dennis Gabriel (Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park) were jointly awarded in the Worker Return to Work Achievement category. Tree Coach — Natural Growth Partners took home the Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year award, and Manny Mason (City of Ballarat) was celebrated as the Health and Safety Representative of the Year.
These diverse winners highlight the breadth of commitment to workplace safety across various sectors in Victoria. What common thread unites these successes? A dedication to fostering a culture of safety, prioritizing employee wellbeing, and actively seeking innovative solutions to prevent injuries and support recovery.
Did You Know? Psychosocial hazards – factors in the design of work or the social context of work that have the potential to cause psychological harm – are increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to workplace stress and injury. Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre’s award underscores the growing importance of addressing these often-overlooked risks.
Investing in robust return-to-work programs, like the one implemented at RMH, isn’t simply about compliance; it’s about demonstrating genuine care for employees and recognizing their value. A well-designed program can significantly reduce the financial and emotional costs associated with workplace injuries, while also boosting morale and productivity. But what more can organizations do to proactively prevent injuries in the first place?
2025 WorkSafe Awards winners. Image: WorkSafe Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions About Return to Work Practices
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What is a ‘return to work’ practice?
A return to work practice encompasses the strategies and processes an organization uses to help employees safely and effectively return to their jobs after experiencing a work-related injury or illness.
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Why is a collaborative approach to return to work important?
Collaboration between injured workers, their managers, and the injury management team fosters trust, open communication, and a shared understanding of recovery goals, leading to more successful and sustainable returns to work.
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What are psychosocial risks in the workplace?
Psychosocial risks refer to aspects of the work environment that can negatively impact an employee’s mental health and wellbeing, such as high job demands, lack of control, or workplace bullying.
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How can organizations prevent workplace injuries?
Organizations can prevent injuries through comprehensive risk assessments, implementing safety controls, providing adequate training, and fostering a strong safety culture where employees feel empowered to report hazards.
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What role do managers play in the return to work process?
Managers play a vital role in facilitating a smooth return to work by providing support, adjusting work duties as needed, and maintaining open communication with the injured employee and the injury management team.
The success of RMH’s program, and the recognition of other award winners, serves as a powerful reminder that prioritizing employee wellbeing is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart business strategy. By investing in proactive safety measures and supportive return-to-work practices, organizations can create a more resilient, engaged, and productive workforce.
Share your thoughts: How does your workplace prioritize employee safety and wellbeing? What innovative approaches have you seen implemented to support injured workers?
Stay informed: For more information on workplace health and safety, visit WorkSafe Victoria and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Share this article with your network to promote workplace safety and wellbeing! Join the conversation in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about workplace health and safety and should not be considered legal or medical advice.
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