Workers’ compensation provider Insurance & Care NSW (icare) will host public workshops in Newcastle and Orange next month to combat social isolation.

The program aims to develop practical solutions for people recovering at home from workplace injuries or road accidents.

icare says more than 2900 people were injured at work in Newcastle last year, while 400 injury claims were made in Orange.

Return to work took 26 days on average, with some people out for more than three months.

GM Health and Community Engagement Eugene McGarrell says community organisations and businesses have a key role to play helping people “connect to work and the community”.