by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 23, 2026 | Breaking News, Claims, Injury Management, Premium, Rehabilitation, Return To Work, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
The latest icare annual report reveals a chilling reality: New South Wales’ workers’ compensation scheme is facing a $3.2B underwriting loss, representing a significant deterioration from the prior year’s $2.81B loss. Driving this result is a 20% surge in psychological injury claims, which have doubled since 2022. These aren’t minor issues; they’re severe, long-duration cases rooted in bullying, harassment, and workplace stress. This downward spiral isn’t just a financial headline; it highlights how ill-equipped many organisations are to proactively manage complex claims, particularly those involving psychological issues.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 6, 2026 | Breaking News, Claims, Consulting, Health & Wellbeing, Injured Worker, Reforms, Workers Compensation
NSW has entered a defining new era in workers’ compensation with the passage of the Workers Compensation Reform and Modernisation legislation, ushering in the most significant changes to psychological injury claims in more than a decade. As psychological injuries continue to rise and place mounting pressure on the scheme, the government have acted to create clearer definitions, streamline assessments, and improve the pathway to recovery for affected workers.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 4, 2026 | Manual Handling, Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
The Explanatory Memorandum for the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025 outlines expanded incident notification laws covering psychosocial hazards, workplace violence, sexual assault, and work-related suicide or attempts. It also clarifies employer obligations, timeframes, and the scope of notifiable incidents
Background
- The Model WHS Act was amended in December 2025 by the Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
- The Explanatory Memorandum serves as a guide for regulators, employers, and workers to understand the intent and application of the amendments
Key Changes in the Amendment
1. Expanded Definition of Notifiable Incidents
- Psychosocial hazards included: workplace violence, sexual assault, serious psychological harm, suicide, and attempted suicide
- Extended worker absences
2. Clarification of Section 35
- The requirement for a causal link between the incident and the workplace has been moved into the core definition of a notifiable incident
- This ensures consistency and reduces ambiguity for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)
3. Notification Duties
- PCBUs must notify regulators immediately after becoming aware of a notifiable incident
- Site preservation
- A new duty requires PCBUs to notify other persons with corresponding duties, ensuring broader accountability
Implications for Employers and PCBUs
- Compliance Burden – employers must update incident reporting frameworks to include psychosocial hazards.
- Training Needs – staff must be trained to recognise and report incidents beyond physical injuries.
- Legal Risk – failure to comply with expanded notification duties may result in penalties and reputational damage.
- Worker Protection
Practical Guidance for Businesses
- Review WHS Policies – ensure incident reporting procedures align with the 2025 amendments
- Update Risk Registers – include psychosocial hazards alongside physical risks
- Engage with Regulators – establish clear communication channels for timely notification
- Educate Staff – provide awareness sessions on recognising psychosocial incidents
Need Help?
The Explanatory Memorandum – Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025 represents a significant evolution in workplace safety law. For businesses, compliance requires proactive policy updates, staff training, and a stronger focus on psychosocial risk management.
To know more, please contact us
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 2, 2026 | Breaking News, Reforms, Workers Compensation
Significant NSW workers compensation scheme changes came into effect in 2025, reshaping how workplace injuries are managed for both employers and injured workers. These reforms aim to improve sustainability, encourage safer return-to-work outcomes, and clarify entitlements across the life of a claim. For businesses and workers alike, understanding what’s changed and what it means in practice is critical to navigating claims with confidence.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Jan 12, 2026 | Breaking News, Claims, Consulting, Human Resources, Injured Worker, Injury Management, Premium, Workers Compensation
Regulators are stepping up efforts to combat workers’ compensation fraud to safeguard the integrity of insurance schemes. Fraudulent claims drain resources from genuinely injured workers, inflate business premiums, and burden insurers. ABILITY GROUP underscores the importance of this campaign for both employers and workers.
(more…)
