Return To Work SA recently announced changes to the South Australian workers compensation scheme. The changes we outlined last August are the most dramatic in 20 years and have resulted in the scheme no longer being in deficit. The far reaching changes will result in the majority of businesses experiencing premium reductions from 1 July 2015.
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Historically the decision to accrue (or the cheaper alternative not to accrue) leave entitlements for injured workers on workers compensation has been a grey area. The resulting uncertainty for many businesses is caused by differences between various legislation. A recent Federal Circuit Court case decision provides greater clarity on this at least for NSW.
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Delays in reporting injuries, claims or the engagement of appropriate assistance can result in claim costs leakage and significant financial impact. What is often most critical is the early diagnosis and treatment of injuries. Recently ABILITY GROUP partnered with a specialist organisation who provide a service to expedite the assessment of injured workers.
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A must read article for all businesses as body stressing claims account for 55% of all claims. With an ageing workforce these types of claims could take longer to resolve leading to increased claim costs that impact premiums. Minimising risk within your organisation and keeping it simple is where ABILITY GROUP can help. We identify practical, realistic and sustainable solutions.
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We are increasingly finding situations where we need to engage the specialist assistance of our preferred investigators, Insight Intelligence, to minimise the business and financial impacts of workers compensation claims.
Inevitably due to circumstances in the workplace, launching an investigation to gather documented evidence from a claimant, witnesses or employer is required to assist in determining appropriate liability or actions required. Investigations can be either factual or surveillance in nature.
Often ABILITY GROUP's claim management process will anticipate such needs and proactively recommend investing in investigations to accelerate outcomes and assist with aspects like determining liability, return to work, functional capability and cost minimisation.
Managing Director, Mario Bekes, and the Insight Intelligence team have specialist experience in all facets of workers' compensation investigations and kindly provide the following information:
Regardless of whether the investigation is internal or external, the purpose of the investigation is not just collecting evidence and reach a conclusion, but to create a better workplace practice, to implement procedures or to review current policies and procedures.
The employer should record in the company logbook (most probably this may be an incident/hazard notification) at the workplace.
Documenting information is vital to reducing time and costs for both the employer and employee. Once engaged, our lead investigator requests the initial recordings of the incident or accident to begin the investigation. This will speed up the process and reduce the investigation costs. These documents are later used as annexures together with the Report.
Interviews are approached with sensitivity and professionalism, recognising that employees may feel stressed, to ensure a thorough and fair outcome.
Collecting evidence on a person of interest requires a clear objective agreed upon by the employer, agency, or insurer. A defined purpose allows the investigator to plan effectively, minimise time and cost, and secure documented evidence. Ability Group ensures every surveillance investigation begins with a clear objective.