The Australian Government’s JobKeeper scheme, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to keep employees connected to their workplaces and support businesses facing financial hardship. While JobKeeper provided vital relief, it also created complexities within the NSW workers compensation system, requiring regulatory clarification by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 illnesses caused through a work environment may be considered a workers compensation claim. SIRA has therefore confirmed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease related illnesses may be considered valid claims. Employers are also able to reprocess premiums if their wages drop more than 30%.
Managing an employee with a workers compensation claim can be challenging & frustrating during normal business conditions, yet what do businesses need to do in unprecedented times of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
NSW workers compensation has seen significant change in the recent years & it is difficult for businesses to stay updated. Under current NSW legislation, there are numerous different incentives that can reduce workers compensation premiums. To make things easy we have summarised each incentive.
Mental health issues are the 3rd most frequent health condition after cancer & health disease. This means supervisors are likely to be managing workers suffering from a mental illness. We have identified common mental health hazards & workplace risk mitigation strategies.
An increasing concern for many businesses are the risks of mental health related incidents, injuries and resulting workers compensation claims.
A must read for all, the SIRA Review of Nominal Insurer (icare) by Independent Reviewer Ms Janet Dore published in December 2019 contains findings on the operation & sustainability of the icare. The report recommends significant steps for improvement to maintaining a fair & sustainable NSW workers compensation system.