Blog

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has published the 2021 National Return to Work Survey Headline Measures Report. The report provides an overview of key return to work measures captured in the 2021 National Return to Work Survey – Australia’s only national return to work survey of people who get workers’ compensation for a work-related illness orRead more

There were 120,355 serious workers’ compensation claims in 2019-2020 according to a new Safe Work Australia report, which found that 31 per cent of serious claims were for illness and diseases – and of these, mental health conditions were the most common. The Australian workers’ compensation statistics 2019-20 report found that three industries accounted for 43 perRead more

Gig economy platforms need to be aware of the general obligations under workers’ compensation law for employers, according to Safe Work Australia. The gig economy is a growing part of Australia’s workforce with over 100 platforms currently operating in person, remotely or online within Australia. The most common platforms are transport (ride sharing) and foodRead more

Presumptive workers’ compensation protections for workers contracting COVID-19 do not apply to vaccine injuries or side effects, according to WorkCover WA. In light of the WA State Government, along with some some employers, mandating that workers in certain industries obtain a COVID-19 vaccination, employers and workers have sought clarification on whether workers can lodge aRead more

Australian employers now have greater certainty and confidence to manage COVID workplace vaccinations following the introduction of a national no-fault vaccine indemnity scheme, according to the Business Council of Australia (BCA). The Australian Federal Government is developing a claims scheme to reimburse people who suffer a moderate to significant impact following an adverse reaction toRead more

One in four Australian employers want to mandate COVID vaccinations for some or all of their employees, according to the results of a new survey. The Ai Group survey also found that more than 50 per cent of companies are in favour of some form of mandating. Of the over 700 companies surveyed, 24 perRead more

Workers’ compensation claims related to mental stress and harassment and/or bullying have both risen in recent years, according to a recent Safe Work Australia analysis. It found the frequency rate (claims per 100 million hours worked) of mental stress claims declined from 2002–03 to 2015–16, before rising again in recent years. The rate for harassmentRead more

There were 1222 workers’ compensation claims related to COVID-19 lodged in 2020, and of these, 974 claims were accepted, 127 were rejected and 121 are still pending, according to new Safe Work Australia data. Of the 1095 accepted and pending claims lodged last year, 826 were for workers who had contracted COVID-19, 212 were forRead more

Comcare has recently established a specialist team of inspectors to focus on work health and safety risks at major infrastructure projects across Australia. There are already a number of major projects underway within Comcare’s diverse jurisdiction, such as underground rail infrastructure in Sydney and Melbourne. A number of Commonwealth-funded developments including Snowy Hydro 2.0, WesternRead more

Safe Work Australia has released the first edition of a new biennial report series that highlights workers’ compensation scheme developments in Australia and New Zealand. The report will be particularly useful for organisations that work with or across multiple jurisdictions. The report summarises significant changes in administration and scheme delivery and policy and legislative amendmentsRead more