Construction is a high?risk industry, with workers routinely facing hazards like heights, heavy machinery, and unstable ground. As the workforce has grown 33% in the past 11 years, strong safety practices are more crucial than ever. Even well?trained workers encounter constant risks. To recognise Australia’s National Safe Work Month, here are five steps to help improve construction site safety.
(more…)
Occupational violence involves a worker being physically attacked at work or during work?related duties, or being threatened in a way that makes them reasonably fear an attack. As the population ages, care providers face growing challenges supporting staff who deal with aggressive behaviours linked to some forms of dementia and disability. Care workers now account for over 9% of NSW workers' compensation claims, with more than 12,000 physical and psychological claims lodged in the past three years. Addressing bullying and violence in these settings is complex, but SafeWork Australia offers guidance to help organisations manage the risks.
(more…)
Recently, SafeWork Australia released a statistical report comparing injury rates between shift workers and non-shift workers spanning a variety of different industries, administered in 2013-2014. The report demonstrates that the injury rate for shift workers is significantly higher (more than twice the rate) when compared to non-shift workers. The increase in the incidence of injury did not span across all shift-working industries. Individuals who operate machinery and drivers had significantly lower rates of injury when compared to their shift-working counterparts in other lines of work. So, what shift workers are at the greatest risk? High-risk shift industries include: manufacturing, hospitality/food services, public administration and trades/labourers.
(more…)
The NSW Government has introduced major reforms to the Workers Compensation Scheme, reshaping how employers, brokers, and workers engage with icare. These changes are designed to improve sustainability, streamline processes, and enhance support for injured workers
(more…)
All workers' compensation merit reviews by Icare can be challenged through judicial review in the NSW Supreme Court. A party may seek to have a decision set aside and returned to icare for reconsideration. After each challenge, Icare assesses the impact on the dispute, the Merit Review Service, and the broader scheme. Despite thousands of merit review applications finalised, only one administrative law challenge has been decided by the NSW Supreme Court.
(more…)