A trial using web-based technology and personal wellness consultants to help injured people return to work more quickly will be piloted in NSW this month.

Allianz, Insurance & Care NSW (icare) and the NSW Department of Education developed the StartSmart program, to run alongside current treatment and workers’ compensation plans.

It will initially help about 2000 injured workers in the early stages of recovery. If successful, it will be rolled out to more people next year.

Video-conferencing sessions with wellness consultants will enable workers to access treatment via their smartphones, tablets or computers.

Allianz GM Government Services Mark Pittman says the insurer is always seeking new ways to speed injured workers’ recoveries.

“Research shows recovering at work maintains an individual’s connection to the workplace and contributes to their feeling of being valued – important factors in physical and mental wellbeing – and this program is designed to help workers get to this point sooner,” he said.