newy.com.au – More than 60 Hunter businesses received advice on reducing workers compensation premiums at a Newcastle forum on earlier today, as the NSW Government reviews how icare sets those charges.
About 12,800 icare policies cover more than 137,000 workers in Greater Newcastle, according to government figures. The forum will give local businesses an opportunity to speak directly with icare about preventing injuries, responding early when they occur and accessing premium incentives.
“The calculations behind icare’s premiums are risk-based, and businesses with strong safety performance are usually rewarded with discounted premiums,” icare mobile engagement team manager David Huxley said.
Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said the government had extended its review of how workers compensation premiums are determined. The review is examining possible further incentives for safety training, helping injured employees return to work and hiring apprentices.
“We’re encouraging employers and stakeholders across the Hunter to tell us what’s working well, what’s not, and where they see opportunities for improvement,” Ms Cotsis said.
The government says workers compensation reforms passed this year are intended to keep the scheme financially sustainable while maintaining support for injured workers and affordable premiums for employers.
The Newcastle forum is being held alongside two other Hunter initiatives focused on dust diseases and preventing workplace sexual harassment.
The government’s $2.5 million Lung Bus is back in Newcastle, offering free screening for dust diseases. The government is urging Hunter employers whose workers may be exposed to silica or asbestos to book them for screening.
More than 578 workers from 81 businesses across the region are recorded on the mandatory Silica Worker Register, which began 12 months ago, according to the government.
SafeWork is also holding a Risk to Respect workshop in Lovedale, aimed at preventing workplace sexual harassment by changing attitudes and behaviour.
Funding for the workshops forms part of the government’s $38 million implementation of its Pathways to Prevention strategy, which identifies workplaces as a priority for promoting equality and respect.
The government says it also mandated sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for hospitality staff and liquor licence holders across NSW last year.
