Return to work coordinator profiler - Sue McArthur

Get to know...

Name: Sue McArthur

Position: Health, Safety and Environment Manager

Organisation: Barossa Village Inc.

Tell us a bit about your role

I manage work health and safety, injury management and work injury claims, as well as the housekeeping team. My focus is on small details in the immediate environment to address risks and prevent or minimise injuries. I build relationships and create trust to improve the safety culture, and also strengthen partnerships with injured workers.

What does an average day look like for you?

An average day would involve meetings, attending appointments with injured workers, liaising with managers / supervisors to ensure workers returning to work are being supported, and investigating and recording incidents and hazards. I also:

• consult with management and staff to develop a positive safety culture across all departments
• support and engage with the housekeeping team to provide a well-kept worksite
• develop and implement mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• prepare reports for the WHS Committee and Board.

What do you like about your role?

The various challenges – helping workers who have sustained an injury, organising training, and managing the workplace environment. I also enjoy working with staff to foster a strong culture of early intervention which includes injury and hazard reporting to make a significant improvement in injury management.

What are the key challenges

Being a 24/7 operation, with some staff only working on weekends, face to face communication can be challenging. Information is conveyed through memo, email and our computer messaging software. Another challenge is finding modified duties for injured workers that are appropriate and meaningful, and keep the worker engaged.

What advice would you give to other return to work coordinators?

Training, commitment, and networking are key, as are active listening and maintaining a good rapport with the injured worker. Attend training and information sessions to refresh and / or update your knowledge. Sessions are offered regularly at ReturnToWorkSA and present an opportunity to discuss problems you may be experiencing.

What’s been your best experience as a return to work coordinator?

Supporting workers through their return to work journey, and working with their treating professionals to achieve the best possible outcome for both the worker and our organisation.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?

I find gardening and knitting relaxing and rewarding. I also enjoy reading and watching the BBL cricket.

Dead or alive, who would you like to meet and what would you say to them?

I would like to meet Robin Sharma, an inspirational and motivational speaker who through his books and online training videos encourages you to believe in yourself, live with courage, and reach your goals and dreams through your daily habits. Quotes that resonate with me are “Greatness begins beyond your comfort zone” and “Small daily improvements always lead to exceptional results over time”.