Privatisation of NSW Workers Compensation

by Marc Ring | Mar 26, 2014 | Consulting, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation

For a while now there has been a raging debate of the benefits of public versus privatisation of NSW Workers Compensation. NSW Premier, Mr Barry O’Farrell, has driven dramatic changes to NSW workers compensation over the last 18 months with businesses being the main beneficiaries. More recently, Prime Minster Tony Abbott, announced repeals allowing national businesses to self-insure via Comcare and consequently there is a renewed push for the privatisation of NSW Workers Compensation.

Insurers, insurance brokers and businesses alike could benefit from a push to privatise NSW workers compensation. But who would benefit most?

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Tony Abbott Launches Red Tape Repeals

by Marc Ring | Mar 19, 2014 | Consulting, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation

Tony Abbott today has announced red tape repeals aimed at delivering promised $1 billion-a-year cuts to red tape for business, charities, etc.

For businesses that operate across states, Tony Abbott today has announced red tape repeals that will encourage these businesses to enter the Comcare self-insurance workers compensation scheme. At the same time, the national workers compensation Comcare scheme will be tightened to prevent reckless workers claiming for injuries caused by their own misconduct. These are dramatic changes that will be hotly debated.

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Workplace Bullying

by Marc Ring | Feb 7, 2014 | Consulting, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation

Recent changes relating to Workplace Bullying took effect 1 January 2014 and it is important businesses understand what the changes mean and how they can address workplace bullying. We are seeing an increasing trend of workers compensation mental health and psychological related claims (which are 7-8 times more costly than physical claims) with the majority due to workplace bullying. Early intervention and appropriate internal processes can help minimise risk of such claims and therefore avoid significant premium increases. Management of these types of claims is critical and businesses need to take steps to minimise risk.

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Exercise for Work Life Balance

by Marc Ring | Jan 20, 2014 | Consulting, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation

Recent research found workers who regularly exercise reap rewards in the work life balance struggle most people face today. The study also found that employees who dedicated time in their day to exercise were more productive, confident, happier and less stressed. Last month we touched on workplace health programs where investing in your people leads to a more engaged workforce who are less likely to make workers compensation claims.

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Workplace Health Program

by Marc Ring | Jan 16, 2014 | Consulting, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation

With commitment, New year resolutions are way to make positive changes. In January, many businesses also consider what they can do to improve performance and their workplace. Given the many benefits, implementing a workplace health program can be a great investment to your most valuable asset, your people. A workplace health program is an activity or range of activities that aim to support and promote the health of employees. These can be something simple and low cost, like providing fruit at work or providing opportunities for physical activity at lunchtimes.

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