by Marc Ring | Sep 16, 2016 | Bullying, Claim costs, Claim management, Injured Worker, Mental Health, Occupational Violence, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation, Workplace safety
Occupational violence is an incident where a worker is physically attacked in the workplace or during work related activities. It also extends to if a worker is threatened in a way that causes them to reasonably believe they are in danger of being physically attacked. With an ageing population, ensuring aged and other care workers are able to cope with the at times aggressive behaviour associated with some types of dementia or disabilities is an important issue for care providers. Recent data shows care workers represent more than 9 percent of NSW workers compensation claims with over 12,000 physical and mental claims made in the recent 3 year period. Addressing workplace bullying and violence be challenging yet SafeWork Australia provide recommendations.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Aug 11, 2016 | Claim costs, Claim management, Injured Worker, Injury Prevention, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
Occupational Asthma (a new-onset asthma in which the underlying cause is exposure to an agent at work) is considered a work related illness and has led to numerous workers compensation claims in different industries over the past decade. Employers are legally responsible for informing their staff of general and specific hazards connected with their job and for providing employees with a safe and healthy workplace. Recent studies show over 40% of workers are exposed to one or more asthmagens in their workplace. According to Safe Work Australia workers in the farming, metal or wood and food preparation industries are most likely to be exposed. Businesses can take steps to minimise exposure to asthmagens in their workplace.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jul 25, 2016 | Injured Worker, Injury Prevention, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation, Workplace safety
Irrespective of the size of your business or industry you work in, workplace risks exist. Businesses that adopt a proactive risk management approach will typically minimise workplace risks, injuries and claims. Regrettably accidents do occur and in tragic situations the death of a worker has impacts beyond the obvious. Fatalities in the workplace not only affect the immediate family, they also cause distress to colleagues, employers and friends. No worker nor their family should face the risk of not coming home from work. We promote it is essential all Australian workplaces take every precaution to ensure their employees return home safe at the end of every day. So what are Australia’s most dangerous industries and the common cause of fatalities?
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by Marc Ring | Jul 18, 2016 | Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
Raising a workplace safety concern with your boss can sometimes seem like a daunting prospect. Not doing so, however, can mean a dangerous incident goes unresolved, potentially injuring you or your co-workers. It could be something like a machine that is missing protective guards, dangerous movement of plant, poor housekeeping presenting trip hazards or speaking up if you see someone being bullied. Alternatively you might feel your training for a particular task was inadequate or you need more help to do a job safely. Whatever the issue, it is important to remember everyone has a right to work in a fair, just and safe workplace. Employers are obligated (as far as is reasonably practicable) to provide such an environment. Read more for tips on how to talk about safety.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jun 17, 2016 | Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation
Workplace rehabilitation providers specialise in delivery of a variety of services designed to help injured workers recover at or in their return to work. Workplace rehabilitation services are usually delivered at the workplace, in consultation with all parties and common involve:
- Workplace Assessments
- Functional Assessments
- Return to Work Plans (RTWP)
- Case Conferences
To find out what each of these are and why they are important.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jun 6, 2016 | Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation
We are excited to introduce Jay the newest member of our growing ABILITY GROUP team. As a qualified Exercise Physiologist (EP) Jay’s passion for the health and wellbeing of individuals is always front of mind. Jay joins ABILITY GROUP’s HEALTH ABILITY having worked previously as a clinical EP where he has treated patients with a diverse array of complex health related issues. At United Age Care, Jay provided various specialist allied health services for residents and at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Jay instructed tailored group training and exercise programs for Stage 2 post-cardiac rehabilitation.
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