Workers’ compensation mutual EML has won a Swiss Re-Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) award recognising innovative approaches to returning people to work.

It received the award for a study partnership with icare Self Insurance, NSW Health and the University of Sydney that focuses on injury screening and early intervention on musculoskeletal problems.

EML GM Treasury Managed Fund Operations Rachel Elmes says industry partnerships are vital for improving outcomes for injured people returning to work.

“As a mutual, EML has invested $26 million over the past four years in research-based study and risk-prevention tools for our members and the industry as a whole,” she said.

“It is studies such as this joint partnership that are making a real difference to people recovering from a workplace injury.”

EML won the personal injury category of the Swiss Re Excellence and Innovation in Return to Work Award, which was presented for the first time this year.

Swiss Re Head of Property and Casualty Claims ANZ Jimi Groom and ICA CEO Rob Whelan presented the award at an event in Melbourne last month.

The life insurance category awarded in conjunction with ALUCA was won by AMP, with ClearView and BT highly commended.

The judging panel examines criteria such as enhanced experience, improved outcomes and reductions in the time customers are unable to work.

Swiss Re MD Australia and New Zealand Mark Senkevics says the industry has changed the way it views occupation injury, and he welcomes the shift to supporting employees in returning to work.

“The societal value of individuals engaged in good work is indisputable, and as a reinsurer we have a role to play in driving positive health outcomes for our customers,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“A huge congratulations to EML – its work on early injury screening and intervention on musculoskeletal injury is exemplary in the proactive shift that we like to see.”