Proposed changes to Commonwealth safety and workers' comp laws will drive up premiums for single-state employers, increase red tape and reduce worker protections, a Senate Committee has been told - but it recommends passing the amendments.
The future of Safe Work Australia as an independent agency appears assured, with Employment Minister Eric Abetz hinting that absorbing it into his Department wouldn't be cost effective.
Employees could be overworked and exposed to a vicious cycle of injury or illness if they are blocked from accruing annual leave while receiving workers' comp benefits, an inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment Bill has heard.
Employers have more control over injury and claims management and can decrease workers' comp costs if they self-insure, but they must ensure their OHS standards are "better than compliance", according to Aon Hewitt's people risk consulting services director.
Introduction date flagged for WHS Act for WA resources sector; Regulator launches plan to reduce deaths in NSW construction sector; New safety rules for material hoists begin in May; WorkSafe Victoria targeting town as part of statewide campaign; and Seafarers reminded of workers' comp requirement.
An injured worker who claimed his whole person impairment (WPI) should be assessed by an American guide instead of Comcare's assessment guide has been denied workers' compensation in the AAT.
In a decision that was reserved pending the High Court's judgment of the motel-s-x case, the Federal Court has found that a worker injured at a roadhouse during an eight-hour round trip to see a doctor - who his employer encouraged him to visit - is entitled to workers' compensation.
The six-year moratorium on employer applications for self-insurance under the Comcare scheme has been lifted, Federal Employment Minister Eric Abetz announced yesterday.
Determining whether a worker was skylarking when they were injured is just one thing employers must do when gathering claims information for their insurer, according to a Shine Lawyers partner.
