The prestigious awards recognise the outstanding contributions individuals and organisations have made to improve workplace health and safety and help injured workers return to work.
They also celebrate the dedication of injured workers who have overcome significant challenges to return to the workforce. More than 170 entries from a variety of industries nominated for the awards. Chris was nominated under the “Worker Return to Work Achievement” category along with three other workers from across Victoria.
Chris was working as an arborist in May 2016 when he sustained multiple serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident. During his time at Epworth Rehabilitation Hospital, Chris formed strong friendships with other in-patients who were able to support and motivate each other’s recovery. He believed it was important to return to work for his mental wellbeing, and has persevered to adjust to an office-based role.
Greater Shepparton City Council Manager People and Development Karen Liversidge said “Chris’s amazing recovery is a result of his positive attitude and focus on ‘what he can do’. Chris was determined to embrace life and enjoy all the little things, even the mundane daily life stuff that he would have once taken for granted.”
Chris has been an excellent advocate for workplace and road safety since his return to work presenting at all staff meetings where he spoke of his recollections of the day of the accident and the many months spent later on recovery. Chris has also spoken at Cool Heads and continues to promote safety in the workplace, particularly in vehicles. “His return to work has been remarkable considering his injuries and is no doubt due to the support of his colleagues and the organisation.”
“He has had to adjust to his ‘new normal’ and is increasing his capacity more and more with time and ongoing rehabilitation. Greater Shepparton City Council staff have supported Chris every step of the way in his return to work,” she said.
“Council has very good systems in place in the unfortunate event that staff sustain injuries whilst at work and several staff have been key to assisting Chris return to work including Council’s Early Intervention Officer, Tina Pellegrino, who has worked closely with our WorkCover Insurer. However ultimately it is Chris’ courage and tenacity that has enabled him to return to work and remain an integral part of the team.”
