Workplace injuries can place enormous strain on employers and employees alike – financially, operationally, physically and emotionally. In Australia, workers’ compensation is a mandatory, employer-funded insurance scheme designed to support both parties following an injury claim. From medical coverage to financial support and lost wages, workers’ compensation plays a vital role in helping employees recover and keeping businesses on track.
What most people don’t realise, is that the most critical step in managing an injury happens before a formal claim is ever lodged.
Early intervention is far more than an industry buzzword. It’s a strategic, proactive approach to focus on rapid support, clear communication and effective injury management solutions. By responding early and appropriately, you can can often resolve an injury before it progresses into a claim – or significantly reduce the severity, duration and cost of a more serious one.
At Willis Temby, we’ve seen firsthand how early intervention transforms outcomes for employees and employers alike, reducing claim costs and contributing to safer, healthier workplaces. That’s why we partner with Praventus Injury Management to provide complimentary early intervention services to all clients with workers’ compensation insurance.
The results speak for themselves.
In 2025, Praventus documented a 91.6% full return-to-work closure outcome, outperforming the Australian National average of 88.9%, as recorded by Safe Work Australia. Further, the Safe Work Australia 2025 National Return to Work Survey found that injured workers were 12% more likely to return to work where an employer provided injury support prior to the claim being lodged.
Willis Temby’s injury management partnership with Praventus allows peace of mind for our clients, supporting them beyond mandatory requirements. Their early intervention injury management services extend to comprehensive workplace assessments that evaluate the specific demands of each role and identify suitable duties to support safe return to work.
Why early intervention matters:
Small injuries can escalate quickly: applying early intervention techniques means that seemingly minor injuries have less chance of worsening. Early support in the form of a tailored Return to Work plan and medical review can help to prevent further strain or damage, promoting a faster and safer recovery for the injured employee.
Reduces the likelihood of a formal claim: when workers receive timely advice and have a clear (potentially shortened) pathway/plan to recovery, they are less likely to lodge a claim.
Early support improves wellbeing: empathy alongside strong communication helps employees to trust their employer, boosting workplace moral and reducing the psychological impact of an injury.
Over 145,000 serious claims were lodged in the latest available Safe Work Australia data (2023-24p) – an increase of 34.5% over the past 10 years.
Not all workplace injuries can be prevented, but escalation can. When businesses partner with Willis Temby early in the injury process, they gain access to guidance and support that protects their people. Speak to our workers’ compensation experts for more information: Alex Rowland, Cameron Gaspar, Haidee Moore and Lizzy Barron.
