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Strive Occupational Rehabilitation

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Local Knowledge, Local People, Better Outcomes for Agriculture:

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Local Knowledge, Local People, Better Outcomes for Agriculture: Growing Stronger Together – Supporting Toowoomba’s Agriculture Industry Through Local Expertise

Growing Stronger Together – Supporting Toowoomba’s Agriculture Industry Through Local Expertise

When people think of Toowoomba, they often think of the Garden City. However, beyond the parks and flowers lies something even more important to our region’s identity: agriculture.

From broadacre farming and livestock production to food processing, transport, warehousing and agricultural services, the Darling Downs is one of Australia’s most productive agricultural regions. It is an industry built on hard work, resilience and people who are passionate about what they do. At Strive Occupational Rehabilitation, we’re proud to live, work and support the communities that keep this sector thriving.

Local People Supporting Local Industry

One of the things that makes Strive different is that our team isn’t simply servicing Toowoomba from afar. We live here. We shop local, our children attend local schools, we understand harvest seasons, drought challenges, rural travel requirements and the realities faced by regional employers.

This local knowledge helps us provide practical, meaningful support to employers and workers across the agriculture sector.

Whether we’re assisting with workplace rehabilitation, conducting assessments, supporting return to work outcomes or delivering pre-employment functional assessments, our goal is simple: help employers build safe, productive and sustainable workforces.

Because when agriculture succeeds, our entire region benefits.

Why Workforce Health Matters More Than Ever

Agricultural work is physically demanding. Roles often involve repetitive manual handling, operation of heavy machinery, prolonged standing, climbing, lifting, carrying and working in challenging environmental conditions.

For employers, finding the right person for the right role has never been more important. Labour shortages continue to challenge many regional businesses, making it essential to recruit wisely, retain skilled workers and reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

This is where proactive workforce health strategies can make a significant difference.

Rather than waiting until an injury occurs, many employers are increasingly investing in preventative measures that support both productivity and worker wellbeing.

The Growing Demand for Pre-Employment Functional Assessments

One service we have seen growing in popularity across the Darling Downs is the Pre-Employment Functional Assessment (PEFA).

A PEFA helps determine whether a prospective employee can safely perform the inherent physical requirements of a role. The assessment is tailored to the specific demands of the position and provides employers with objective information to support hiring decisions.

For agricultural employers, this can be particularly valuable.

Imagine recruiting for a role that requires:

  • Repeated lifting of feed bags
  • Climbing on and off machinery
  • Handling livestock
  • Working long shifts on your feet
  • Carrying equipment across uneven terrain

A PEFA helps ensure that the candidate can safely meet these requirements from day one.

Importantly, the process isn’t about excluding people. It’s about matching workers to roles that suit their capabilities while identifying any support, task modifications or workplace adjustments that may be beneficial.

When implemented correctly, PEFAs can contribute to:

  • Safer workplaces
  • Reduced injury risk
  • Better workforce retention
  • Improved confidence in recruitment decisions
  • Stronger long-term employment outcomes

Delivered by our local team of Occupational Therapists, Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists, our Pre-Employment Functional Assessments provide agricultural employers with comprehensive, evidence-based insights to help ensure workers can safely meet the physical and psychological demands of the role.

Understanding Regional Employers

Agricultural businesses often face unique challenges compared with their metropolitan counterparts.

Seasonal demands can create rapid recruitment needs. Work may be conducted across multiple locations. Travel requirements can be extensive and employer resources are often stretched across busy operational periods.

Because our team understands these realities, we aim to provide practical solutions that work in the real world.

That might mean:

  • Flexible scheduling for assessments
  • Timely reporting to support recruitment decisions
  • Services delivered locally
  • Clear communication with employers and candidates
  • Recommendations that are practical and achievable

We know that when crops need harvesting or livestock needs managing, delays can have significant impacts on business operations.

More Than Assessments

While pre-employment assessments are an important part of what we do, our support for the agriculture sector extends much further.

Our team regularly assists with:

  • Workplace rehabilitation and return to work services
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Worksite assessments
  • Injury prevention initiatives
  • Workplace wellbeing support
  • Vocational rehabilitation services
  • Psychological injury support

We work alongside employers, workers, insurers and healthcare providers to support positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Five Practical Tips for Agricultural Employers

If you’re looking to strengthen workforce health and safety within your business, consider the following:

1. Clearly Define the Physical Requirements of Every Role

Understanding the inherent requirements of a position provides a strong foundation for recruitment, onboarding and injury management.

2. Invest in Preventative Strategies

Prevention is often far less costly than managing workplace injuries after they occur.

3. Support Early Reporting of Injuries

Encouraging workers to speak up early can lead to better recovery outcomes and reduced time away from work.

4. Prioritise Suitable Duties

When injuries do occur, suitable duties can help workers remain connected to the workplace while recovering.

5. Partner with Local Experts

Working with providers who understand regional industries can lead to more practical, effective and sustainable solutions.

Proud to Be Part of the Darling Downs Community

At Strive, we’re passionate about supporting the industries that keep our region moving. Agriculture is more than an economic driver in Toowoomba. It’s part of our identity.

By combining local knowledge with national expertise, we’re committed to helping employers attract the right people, support their workforce and create safer workplaces across the Darling Downs.

As locals ourselves, we understand the importance of strong communities, strong businesses and strong partnerships.

And that’s something worth growing.

Want to learn more?

If you’d like to discuss pre-employment functional assessments, workplace rehabilitation services or workforce health initiatives for your agricultural business, we’d love to chat.

📞 1300 361 953
📧 info@striveor.com