Social media is embedded throughout society as people throughout the day are connecting to others via an mediums like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others. If work related incidents are discussed or an employee is bullied, the employer liability is considered. Social media policies are consequently becoming increasingly important for all businesses as connections to workers compensation grow.
A NSW micro employer is a business with 5 or less employees and a basic premium tariff <$30,000. A micro employer with an injured worker may experience financial difficulties with return to work (RTW) of an injured employee. WorkCover acknowledges for many micro employers there is a financial burden they can’t afford or sustain. WorkCover is now extending special RTW assistance to these businesses.
At ABILITY GROUP, we understand that managing workplace claims can be complex and costly. For many employers, inaccurate or unchecked claims can lead to significant financial losses. Our recent claims review project demonstrates how expert analysis and proactive management saved one client an incredible $140,000, proving the value of a thorough review process.
From 30 June 2015, the calculations for NSW businesses with a premium > $30,000 change completely. The new key drivers of premium become:
- Wages and business activity
- Claim performance now benchmarked against scheme rather industry
- Return to Work related metrics
NSW workers’ compensation reforms, meant to simplify the system, are seen as complex. Some claim costs no longer affect premiums, but steep increases will depend on how each business compares to overall scheme performance—penalising those with higher claims.
Various sections of the NSWWorkers Compensation Act1987 allow a business to lodge a WorkCover appeal. We have seen the upcoming changes already impact some businesses as they face financial pressure caused by higher premium and there could be grounds for appeal. Although circumstances are often unique, ABILITY GROUP has a successful record in winning appeals on behalf of clients.
The 30 June 2015 NSW changes include a new formula to calculate premiums with a range of new metrics replacing traditional measures. Although designed to make premiums easier to understand, many people are saying the actual result is wide of this mark. In a recent report Workcover Independent Review Officer (WIRO) labelled some workers compensation changes as too complex and confusing.