Nabenet

Return to Work Matters is a professional networking and resource site serving return to work professionals.  Nabenet have partnered with Return to Work Matters to offer you 3  months free access to the site. 

Please click here to find out more.

Nabenet and Nabenet Health have quality management systems (QMS) which follow the criteria and standards that were established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).  We have subsequently recently received ISO 9000:2008 certification.  This certification demonstrates Nabenet’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.  Our goal is to continue to be pioneers and the best within our industry. 

To view our ISO Certificate please click here.

This week at the 84th meeting of the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC), held in Melbourne,  Ministers across Australia finalised the harmonisation of model workplace health and safety laws.

This means that by 1 January 2012, all Australian businesses and workers will be subject to the same OHS Act and regulations.

Review the WRMC Communique by clicking here.

Last week the Accident Compensation Act Amendment Bill reached Victorian Parliament.  This bill has a number of changes to the current Act. 

Workers will receive 80% of their pre-injury wage after 13 weeks (up from 75%) and penalties and overtime count in the pre-injury wage for 52 weeks, not the current 26 weeks. 

Workers who receive weekly compensation for more than 52 weeks will also have superannuation paid at 9% after 52 weeks.

WorkSafe Inspectors will have wider powers in the area of return to work including the ability to issue improvement notices to employers who do not offer alternative employment for 52 weeks.

Workers may have their weekly payments suspended if they do not participate in the return to work process.  For the first time a worker must actively participate with occupational rehabilitation (OR) providers, while employers can be directed to use the services of OR providers if the Agent notifies them to do so.

There are a large number of other changes that will become more evident over time.

Nabenet believe that the changes above and other amendments to the Act make return to work the key to the Workers Compensation system for the first time.

The role of Nabenet as your OR provider can only assist Employers meet their increased obligations to the return to work process and assist workers to return to work when medically safe to do so.

Nabenet recently assisted the CFMEU with the development of a suitable jobs register as part of WorkSafe Victoria’s Return to Work Fund.  The suitable jobs register identifies 29 different jobs and return to work duties associated with the building and construction industry.  Nabenet provided expert assistance in this major initiative by undertaking the 29 job and task analysis, as well as providing a 3 stage return to work suggestion framework for each job.  To view the CFMEU launch article click here.

Andrew Paice, Director Nabenet, presented during Work Safe Week 2009 at the Victorian Trades Hall Health and Safety Representatives Conference.  Andrew delivered a presentation to members of various unions about occupational rehabilitation (OR).  Andrew explained what OR providers are, what they do, the benefits of having an OR provider involved in the return to work process and how to involve an OR provider.

If you w

Martinique Diss, New Employer Services Coordinator, presented alongside Andrew Douglas (Douglas Workplace & Litigation) and Angela Godfrey (Commando Consulting) at a training day in Ballarat, where issues under the topic, “The IR Landscape has changed since 1 July and will change more from 1 Jan 2010 – Are You Ready?”, were discussed.

Martinique Diss delivered an informative speech titled ‘Changes in the workplace and the economy create stress – the truth about stress claims in Workers Compensation and how to manage them’.

If you would like the information presented sent to you or would like to know more information about the various services Nabenet can offer your company please do not hesitate to contact Katie Riches, Nabenet Health T: (03) 9819 2377.

Nabenet and Nabenet Health have recently formed an alignment with Winners, a specialist recruitment agency that undertakes general management, middle management to senior level recruitment, executive search, sales force strategy and development.  Winners operate nationally offering a range of positions to candidates seeking opportunities in General Management, Sales, Marketing, Healthcare, Financial Services, Administration and Education.

To learn more about Winners please visit www.winners-exec.com.au or call (03) 8823 5700.

Nabenet and Higher Solutions have traded as separate entities under common company ownership for the last four years.  From 1 July 2009 we made a business decision to use the one business name, Nabenet.  Higher Solutions has been a preferred rehabilitation provider for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) for over ten years, across all regions.

Nabenet provides quality Occupational Rehabilitation and Employment Services to injured teachers, principals and associated schools and region based staff across Victoria.  We are a Victorian owned Occupational Rehabilitation Provider offering a personalised service, with empathy and respect towards the people we work with.

Nabenet is currently a preferred provider off occupational rehabilitation for the DEECD.  All Nabenet staff are cognisant of the DEECD’s policies and processes associated in returning to work.

With offices in Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong and Morwell, we will continue to specialise in the return to work process in the education sector.  Please contact Marion Chua on 9329 3898 should you have any further questions or further enquiries.

WorkSafe Week is being held from 26 – 30 October 2009 and it’s the perfect opportunity for you to provide the latest information on health and safety in your workplace.

Have you considered the following ideas for WorkSafe week?

• educational seminars
• presentations
• breakfasts
• workplace expo
• panel discussions

If you would like Nabenet or Nabenet Health to present at your workplace as part of WorkSafe week please contact Katie Riches (katieriches@nabenet.com.au) or (03) 9819 2377.