![Did You Know [Red]](http://abilitygroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Did-You-Know-Red.png)
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.
Recruitment and workforce related decisions have always been key decisions for businesses. The continuing changes in local and global economies means these decisions become even more important. The ability to identify the right employees and subsequently keep them can avoid considerable costs, effort and frustration. So what are the long term employment trends in Australia? With the retirement age progressively being increased by the Australian government and greater use of temporary employees, the Australian workforce dynamics continue to evolve. One of Australia’s leading, and at times controversial, journalist recently covered this topic and we believe these trends are having and will continue to have impacts on workers compensation.
Businesses often seek ways to improve productivity and reduce absenteeism. What might surprise many is that a recent study found obese workers took 90% more sickies than normal weight employees. Research also show that Australian businesses with a successful work health program can experience up to 3 times higher productivity, lower sick leave and injuries, as well as better employee morale.
ABILITY GROUP was engaged by a client to manage a claim for a worker who had injured their knee. The prognosis involved surgery and a lengthy return to work process. Our intervention in managing this claim delivered $160,000 of workers compensation related savings.
Needless to say our client was extremely pleased they engaged our specialist Injury/Claim Management Service in intervening with this situation.
At the end of 2014 WorkCover NSW provided their Report Card on the numerous changes made during the last 12-18 months for small businesses. As these changes have driven such positive outcomes across the 260,000 small business employers in the NSW scheme, WorkCover NSW recently announced similar changes for medium to large businesses following the 2015 NSW state election.
The important changes for medium to large NSW businesses adopt the key principles of delivering easy to understand premiums, providing safer workplaces, improving return to work, recovery at work for injured workers, reducing red tape and delivering sustainability plus certainty. To understand more about these important proposed changes read more…
A recent paper commissioned by Safe Work Australia confirms businesses that invest in workplace safety receive cost and productivity benefits that provide a positive Return on Investment (ROI).
As WorkCover NSW plans to implement changes for medium to large businesses in 2015, including Employer Safety Incentive (ESI) and Return to Work Incentive (RTWI), the benefits can increase.