Workers Compensation training for ADHC funded organisations now available

Published 18th February 2015

National Disability Services (NDS) will be running a series of workers compensation workshops to help organisations improve the management of their workers compensation policies.

Workshop agenda

The workshops will provide advice on:

•  Writing renewal documents

•  Reviewing premium and claims estimates

•  Understanding how premiums are calculated 

•  Strategies for managing the claim and the insurer.

Training will be held at the following locations: 
 Ballina - Fri, Mar 20, 2015
 Bankstown - Mon, Mar 2, 2015
 Blacktown - Tue, Mar 3, 2015
 Bega - Thu, Mar 26, 2015
 Wagga Wagga - Wed, Mar 25, 2015
 Newcastle - Wed, Mar 18, 2015
 Wollongong - Fri, Mar 27, 2015
 Inverell - Mon, Mar 23, 2015
 Port Macquarie - Thu, Mar 19, 2015
 Dubbo - Tue, Mar 24, 2015

These workshops are part of the Disability Safe project, funded by the Industry Development Fund, a partnership between NDS and NSW Family and Community Services, Ageing Disability and Home Care.

Workers compensation claim review

NDS has also responded to concerns raised by members regarding increases to their workers compensation premiums, through a recent review of workers compensation claims. 18 organisations agreed to participate and approximately 300 claim files were reviewed.

What were the key findings?

•  Handling of objects and people were the main cause of injury, followed by workplace violence and slip/trips/falls.

•  The highest number of incidents occurred within vehicles, followed by outdoor locations, bathrooms and bedrooms.

•  Evidence of the conduct of investigations was restricted to approximately 50% of files and the main outcomes were further training, reviewing/revising procedures and maintenance and equipment provision. 

•  Whilst there was no time lost in 40% of claims, 50% of claims did not have a Return To Work (RTW) plan, or contact with a treating doctor.

How can organisations improve?

The review found that organisations were able to effectively reduce workers compensation premiums by:

•  Ensuring support of senior managers

•  Implementing measurable health and safety performance  requirements for all staff

•  Ensuring access to easily understood online systems

•  Delivering regular training with ongoing assessment and reinforcement

•  Making suitable alternative duties available for injured workers to minimise time lost due to injury.

These workshops are part of the Disability Safe project, funded by the Industry Development Fund, a partnership between NDS and NSW Family and Community Services, Ageing Disability and Home Care.

For more information, please go to www.idfnsw.org.au