Goulburn Valley Health’s Alida Kildey has been named as one of 23 finalists in the Victorian WorkSafe Awards for her role in helping injured people return to work.
Ms Kildey’s role as early intervention advisor involves supporting people who were injured at work at GV Health to return to their role as soon as practical.
“My work is about getting people back to their pre-injury duties as soon as possible, or other duties they can perform on-site,” she said.
“Part of my role is building a rapport with that injured staff member as soon as possible and assisting them in their recovery.”
WorkSafe received more than 180 nominations from across Victoria for seven award categories, which recognise excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work.
Ms Kildey was nominated by GV Health’s insurer, with which she works closely, and said the results were thanks to a tailored approach.
“I’m lucky in the way that I have some flexibility in arranging a program to suit each employee,” she said.
“And that means I’m able to do the best I can to get people across the line.”
However Ms Kildey is the first to admit she’s never been one for the spotlight — with the nomination taking her by surprise.
“It’s a bit daunting,” she said.
“But it’s fantastic to be acknowledged — I’m pretty chuffed. And I would not have got here without some great mentors and allied health professionals who have helped me look at return-to-work practices in a holistic way.
“It’s also thanks to the people I’ve worked with at GV Health to get them back at work.
“Working with them, I’ve gained insight into myself and how to better assist the next injured person in their return to work.”
Winners of the WorkSafe Awards will be announced at a ceremony on February 24, 2022.