HCML’s Early Injury Management service and Costco’s approach to workplace rehabilitation has received official recognition for being on course to deliver savings of 40% in injury and absence related costs, and achieving a 100% return to work rate for those who undergo a rehab programme.
The success of the service was announced at the 2010 Rehabilitation First Awards in London on 25th June, where HCML and Costco won Rehabilitation Initiative of the Year in the employer category.
Designed to address the costs of work related ill health and injury, HCML’s Early Injury Management service provides Costco’s employees with access to an appropriately qualified Rehabilitation Case Manager if they are unable to work through injury or ill health.
The Case Manager actively manages any treatment, provides reassurance and advice to the employee and devises and coordinates graduated return to work plans, working closely with Costco and any treating practitioners throughout the process.
Sue Knowles, Admin Director of Costco commented: “At Costco our employees are the most valued assets of our company and we are fully committed to taking care of them. A major factor in our commitment to our staff is our ability to rely on HCML’s Early Injury Management service which has provided timely and appropriate care for our employees. As well as this it has reduced costs associated with injury by as much as 17%, however current forecasts for this financial period indicate that costs will be reduced in excess of 40%.
Due to the partnership with HCML and the high standards and goals set by both companies, we currently enjoy a 100% return to work rate.”
Georgia Hellen, Account Director of HCML added “It is fantastic to see a large employer like Costco leading the way in workplace rehabilitation. Costco are reaping the benefits because they have embraced rehab and embedded it into their absence processes, which helps achieve good outcomes for everyone involved. These results show what can be achieved with a proactive, structured and wholehearted approach to rehabilitation.”
