Workers Compensation Journey Claims
In Australia, each State & Territory has different workers compensation legislation & therefore the treatment of “Journey claims” (to/from work) vary.
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Workers Compensation Premiums Rise
Across Australia, workers compensation premiums are increasing. In NSW, icare communicated premium increases with an average of 8% over the next 3 years. In Victoria, WorkCover has set the average premium rate for 2023/24 at 1.8%. ReturnToWork SA has increased the average premium rate by 2.8% to 1.85%. With increasing costs & wages, workers compensation premiums will continue to increase, meaning it will be increasingly important for businesses to actively manage workplace injuries, claims & worker compensation-related aspects.
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What’s a Rehabilitation Consultant?
We often get asked what’s a rehabilitation consultant. In short a workplace rehabilitation consultant is an allied health professional who works with employers, workers, and other stakeholders to support the rehabilitation and return to work of workers who have been injured or become ill as a result of their work.
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Understanding Workers Compensation Insurance
In Australia, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This insurance is designed to provide financial support and benefits to workers who have been injured or become ill due to their work. Workers compensation insurance also protects employers from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries amongst other aspects.
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Injury Management Best Practices
Injury management is an essential process for businesses in Australia, as it aims to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and manage them effectively when they do occur. Businesses that invest in Injury Management are likely to benefit from a happier, more productive workforce as well as lower workers compensation premiums.
Injury management best practices can include the following:
- Develop a comprehensive injury management policy: This policy should outline the company’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace, as well as the procedures for preventing and managing workplace injuries and illnesses
- Conduct regular risk assessments: Employers should identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement appropriate measures to eliminate or minimise the risks. This may include providing personal protective equipment, conducting regular safety training, and ensuring that equipment is well-maintained
- Encourage reporting of injuries and illnesses: Employers should create a culture of openness and encourage employees to report any injuries or illnesses, no matter how minor. This allows for early intervention and better outcomes for the employee
- Provide early intervention and treatment: Employers should provide prompt medical treatment to injured or ill employees, including first aid and emergency medical services if required. This can help prevent the injury or illness from becoming more severe
- Develop return-to-work plans: Employers should work with the injured or ill employee, their treating medical practitioner, and their insurer to develop a return-to-work plan. This plan should outline the steps that will be taken to support the employee in returning to work as soon as possible
- Provide suitable duties: Employers should identify suitable duties that the injured or ill employee can perform while they are recovering. These duties should be within the employee’s capabilities and be meaningful and productive
- Monitor progress and provide support: Employers should monitor the employee’s progress and provide ongoing support and assistance, including regular communication and feedback
- Continuously review and improve injury management processes: Employers should regularly review and improve their injury management processes, including policies, procedures, and training, to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date
By implementing these best practices, businesses can help minimise workplace injuries and effectively manage them when they do occur to achieve better outcomes for both employees and employers.
ABILITY GROUP are Injury Management specialists & provide businesses of all sizes across Australia with a variety of affordable Injury Management service options ranging from advice based to outsourced service models.
Contact our team to discuss your needs or for further information, please refer to the following:
Source: WorkSafe
Title: Injury Management: Making it Work
Read Time:
Source: WorkCover WA
Title: Injury Management: A Guide for Employers
Read Time: 5+ minutes
Source: iCare
Title: Injury Management Plans
Read Time: 5+ minutes
Policy/Claim Transfers Begin
Following icare’s announcement in late 2022, from 1 January 2023 icare has increased the number of Claims Service Providers (CSP’s) to 6 partners. The existing CSP’s (i.e. Allianz, EML, GIO and QBE) will be joined by Gallagher Bassett (GB) and DXC later in 2023. The increase in CSP’s is to help ensure both injured workers and employers get the best possible care and support throughout workers compensation claim management process with the transition to new CSP’s having commenced in April 2023.
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