October is Australia’s Work Safety Month and the theme of “Be Safe. Be Healthy. Because…” is something we here at ABILITY GROUP are passionate about. What is also important about workplace safety is the consequences injuries have to workers. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, or in the tragic situations of a workplace fatality, government bodies can issue businesses material fines to complement the other effects.
Actively promoting workplace safety is an important ABILITY GROUP function. At times we unfortunately need to manage tragic consequences of workplace accidents. Businesses that adopt a safety first approach are making an important step towards avoiding accidents and injuries. A court recently found a leading Australian paper manufacturer liable for the death of an employee fining them $400,000.
In 2015, WorkCover NSW was dissolved and replaced by three new specialist agencies. This major reform aimed to create a more efficient, commercially focused workers' compensation system while strengthening workplace safety and regulatory oversight across New South Wales.
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.
According to NSW Government’s Get Healthy At Work, Australians spend one third of their lives at work, so being healthy at work can have some big benefits. Healthier employees are alert, fitter and more resilient against illness. A successful workplace health program improves productivity, attracts new employees, enhances business image and reduces absenteeism.
The workers' compensation system, processes and insurers often hold the employer liable for the full claims costs.
At ABILITY GROUP, we advocate for clients and partners to secure the best possible outcomes for their businesses and injured workers. From our experience, businesses often face wrongful liability for actions and decisions that an individual made years before joining the current company. If businesses fail to adopt proactive or preventative measures, they struggle to decline claims related to degenerative diseases.