icare Reform Update
In August 2016, our Significant NSW icare Changes article outlined the latest NSW workers compensation changes taking effect in 2017. icare (previously WorkCover NSW) will directly administer policy and billing for the NSW workers compensation scheme. Details since the original announcement have been sparse however we understand NSW businesses will be able to use either an online portal, icare Customer Support Centre or Service NSW to provide wage declarations, make premium related payments and related matters. Many businesses are concerned with the service they will receive following the change, however we see these changes as exciting. At ABILITY GROUP will continue to actively support our clients and brokers with personalise and responsive service.
Construction related work is considered one of the more dangerous or high risk occupations. Heights, heavy and large equipment, complex machinery and unstable ground are just some examples of what workers face in undertaking their work. With the number of construction industry workers having grown by 33% over the last 11 years, site safety is increasingly important and front of mind for most businesses in this industry. No matter how well trained or careful workers claim to be, due to the nature of their jobs construction workers are constantly exposed to hazardous conditions and dangerous situations. To highlight Australia’s National Safe Work Month, here are 5 steps to assist in making construction sites safer.
Occupational violence is an incident where a worker is physically attacked in the workplace or during work related activities. It also extends to if a worker is threatened in a way that causes them to reasonably believe they are in danger of being physically attacked. With an ageing population, ensuring aged and other care workers are able to cope with the at times aggressive behaviour associated with some types of dementia or disabilities is an important issue for care providers. Recent data shows care workers represent more than 9 percent of NSW workers compensation claims with over 12,000 physical and mental claims made in the recent 3 year period. Addressing workplace bullying and violence be challenging yet SafeWork Australia provide recommendations.
Recently SafeWork Australia released a statistical report comparing injury rates between shift workforces as compared to non-shift workers spanning a variety of different industries administered in 2013-2014. The report demonstrates the injury rate for shift workers is significantly higher (more than twice the rate) when compared to non-shift workers. The increase in 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 as being; manufacturing, hospitality/food services, public administration and trades/labourers.
icare’s latest announcement regarding the ongoing NSW workers compensation reforms hit the market earlier today. icare’s latest changes take effect in 2017 and will impact how businesses, and brokers, approach workers compensation in NSW. icare is “moving closer to our customers, putting their needs at the centre of everything we do”. The latest changes will transform workers compensation insurance in NSW by controlling how businesses (customers) buy and renew their policies via a new online portal.