New benefits to assist the return to work of NSW injured workers took affect on the 29th of April 2016. These changes include workplace modifications, the transition to work equipment and training programs.
In light of these changes there is increased fluidity and interaction with SIRA vocational rehabilitation programs. SIRA currently has 6 vocational education programs that are administered under Section 53 of the Act of 1988.
The last 12 months has seen continued change across NSW Workers Compensation which remains consistent with the prior 2-3 years. These recent NSW workers compensation structural changes were designed to result in a faster, simpler, and more engaging experience for workers, employers and other stakeholders.
In September 2015, the structural separation of insurance functions was recommended in various reports and inquiries into WorkCover to address the inbuilt conflict between the insurance regulatory and insurance service delivery functions. Importantly, addressing concerns of various stakeholders as well.
Benefit reforms for injured workers were made law in August 2015. The benefit reforms focus on three objectives: helping injured workers with the highest needs, assisting those with injuries to return to work, and applying benefits equitably for all injured workers.
Every business can take some simple steps to minimise risk of injury and improve workplace safety. Although office environments can seem less vulnerable to serious injury when compared to industries such as construction, manufacturing, aged care, etc., risks exist across all industries.
Irrespective of the workplace environment steps can be taken to minimise workplace risk. Injuries and claims commonly result from workers tripping, slipping or falling. Poor manual handling activity, incorrect workstation set-up, lack of rest and exercise breaks or strains and other injuries related to posture or repetitive movement are frequent causes of workplace injury. If not addressed, these problems can affect employee productivity, morale and absenteeism rates. Employers can take 8 simple steps to help minimise workplace risks and therefore create safer workplaces for their workers.
Want some simple steps for a safer workplace?
It is with sadness we farewell Mel our senior claims specialist at the end of April. Mel has been an integral member of our ABILITY GROUP team since joining in November 2014. Mel has gone to great lengths working with our clients, brokers and injured workers to secure the best possible outcomes. Mel will be sorely missed and we wish her well.
Adam and Andrea will provide assistance whilst we are recruiting a replacement.
With the Easter long weekend upon us and with most NSW insurers having completed their outstanding renewal premium processing, ABILITY GROUP have been assisting clients and brokers with a larger number of enquiries regarding icare (previously WorkCover) Wage Audits.
Icare have a compliance program that verifies if employers have paid their correct premium. To ensure that employers are paying the appropriate workers compensation premium, legislation gives icare and the Nominal Insurance Agent right to access an employer’s wage records in conducting a Wage Audit. When an audit reveals a business has under declared their wages, the employer must pay the outstanding premium as well as a late payment fees dating back to when the premium was originally due. In addition, when wages have been under declared by more than 25%, the employer will be charged the wage audit cost.
Clients and brokers often ask us about workers compensation in Queensland and being a Government run scheme there are important differences. Some of the key differences include Accident Insurance is specific and compulsory cover for employees whereas the optional Workplace Personal Injury Insurance will cover those not deemed eligible under the Accident Insurance. In Queensland, the scheme is operated entirely by the state. The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the Act) states that employers must insure their workers with WorkCover Queensland under an accident insurance policy within five days of commencing employment. However, directors, partners of a partnership, sole traders and trustees are excluded from coverage as they are not considered workers. There is no threshold that businesses must reach before insuring in Queensland and businesses cannot pay for any of their own claim costs in Queensland.