By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
JONATHAN Bell was holidaying in Malaysia when he found out he had won a WorkSafe award for his involvement at Narre Warren Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, but it didn’t stop him from celebrating.
Jonathan, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist at the clinic, received the honour as part of the Victorian WorkCover Authority 25th annual WorkSafe Awards announced last month.
The award recognised his outstanding achievements in helping people rehabilitate and return to work following an injury.
Despite being nominated for the award in August following both a written and video application, Jonathan said he was shocked when he heard the news that he had won.
“I was a bit surprised, there are a lot of people out there who inspire a lot of people,” he said.
“There are some people out there who are fantastic practitioners.”
Jonathan said it was integral for a physiotherapist to have regular contact with their patient’s workplace.
“I think it’s important to communicate with the workplace and to help get the injured person back to work and doing something meaningful,” he said.
“We’ve been able to see over the years what works and what doesn’t.
“Everyone wants to get back to work as quickly as possible.”
Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips congratulated the 10 winners of the WorkSafe Awards, from 323 entries, for being industry leaders in health and safety.
“Whether it is coming up with solutions to safety hazards, implementing a wellbeing program or helping an injured worker get back to work, the contributions and commitment of our finalists and winners contribute to safer workplaces,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“I congratulate the award recipients and commend them on their dedication, their innovations and their hard work in workplace safety.
“The WorkSafe Awards showcase innovative approaches to health and safety, return to work and health and wellbeing and also represent an opportunity for businesses to follow the example of leaders in this field.”
For more information on the Narre Warren Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, which also has remedial massage therapists and holds Pilates classes, phone 9704 8520.
