On 16 June 2022, the NSW Government enacted the Motor Accidents and Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2022. This legislation introduced important updates to motor accident and workers ‘compensation laws, ensuring fairer treatment and stronger protections for workers, volunteers, and their families.
The legislation addresses multiple aspects:
- Volunteer Rescue Workers: Expanded compensation rights for volunteers injured or killed while performing rescue duties.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents at Work: Drivers injured or killed in workplace accidents now receive clearer entitlements under workers compensation.
- Family Support: Families of deceased workers gain improved access to compensation and support payments.
- Service Providers: Adjustments to how medical and legal service providers interact with compensation claims.
- Personal Injury Commission: Strengthened role of the Commission in handling disputes and claims efficiently.
Significance of the Reform
- Fairness: Ensures that volunteers and workers are not left without support when injured in the line of duty.
- Clarity: Removes confusion between motor accident and workers compensation schemes.
- Support for Families: Provides financial security for dependents of workers who lose their lives in workplace accidents.
- Efficiency: Streamlines claims processes through the Personal Injury Commission on Motor Accidents & Workers Compensation Law Changes
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must stay informed and compliant with these changes. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing workplace policies to align with updated legislation.
- Ensuring workers are aware of their rights under both motor accident and workers compensation schemes.
- Supporting injured workers and families with timely claims and access to entitlements on Motor Accidents & Workers Compensation Law Changes
Impact on Workers
For employees and volunteers, the reforms mean:
- Greater confidence that injuries sustained in motor accidents at work will be covered.
- Assurance that families will receive support in tragic circumstances.
- Access to clearer dispute resolution pathways through the Personal Injury Commission.
Contact ABILITY GROUP to know more.
Source: NSW Government
Title: New laws to help injured workers and drivers
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