Recent research found workers who regularly exercise reap rewards in the work life balance struggle most people face today. The study also found that employees who dedicated time in their day to exercise were more productive, confident, happier and less stressed. Last month we touched on workplace health programs where investing in your people leads to a more engaged workforce who are less likely to make workers compensation claims.
With commitment, New year resolutions are way to make positive changes. In January, many businesses also consider what they can do to improve performance and their workplace. Given the many benefits, implementing a workplace health program can be a great investment to your most valuable asset, your people. A workplace health program is an activity or range of activities that aim to support and promote the health of employees. These can be something simple and low cost, like providing fruit at work or providing opportunities for physical activity at lunchtimes.
Work safety around any types of vehicles is always important as accidents occur and the consequences can be catastrophic. Despite the obvious traumatic consequences of fatal accidents, business owners face severe fines. Regrettably a tragic accident resulted in the death of a Sydney man yesterday. The 30 year old man working in a Horsley Road, Milperra, facility was fatally injured after being hit in the head by a large magnet that was attached to a crane. NSW WorkCover inspectors attended the site and have launched an investigation.
New Workers Compensation ReductionsYesterday NSW WorkCover made an important announcement that will delivery premium reductions for 72% of the WorkCover Scheme industries. From 31 December 2013, the 376 NSW business industries that have continued to demonstrate improved safety and return to work performance, will on average receive a 5% rate reduction. These changes are a timely reminder of benefits businesses can receive for investing in workers compensation and return to work services.
Reduce Impact of ClaimsFor many businesses, workers compensation claims don’t only impact customers and other workers, they can have severe financial impacts. Since 1 July 2013, NSW legislation reforms mean businesses with workers compensation premiums >$30,000 are claims experience rated. In simple terms this means these premiums will increase for 3 years due to claims costs and often for every $1 in claims costs you pay more in premium. Like to reduce the impacts of claims?
Benefits of Early Incident & Injury EngagementEarly engagement with workers compensation is critical on many fronts. Assisting an injured worker is paramount for businesses, yet the impacts don’t stop at just the injury. Early engagement with an injury or workers compensation claim can have numerous other benefits. At times, many businesses are unaware of the hidden or potential impacts.