Small business employers and workers in the Campbelltown area have benefitted from changes to the workers compensation scheme, says the state member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle.
He says the scheme has “made NSW a safer and more productive place to work’’.
WorkCover NSW data for the first 12 months since the reforms were introduced show improvements across the board with greater support for injured workers, reductions in red tape and more workers returning to the workforce.
The 12-month report card shows:
The return to work rate has improved by five per cent from 82 to 87 per cent. The improvements in small employers return to work rates have been the highest across all sectors of the scheme.
A 15 per cent reduction in claims and injuries for small employers.
Employer paperwork has been reduced by 50 per cent, meaning less administration so employers can focus on running their business.
$10.4 million in administrative savings has been identified per year by cutting red tape; and
Disputes and appeals have been dramatically reduced as reforms have made premiums easier to understand and the customer experience improved.
“These new measures have created a safe and efficient working environment that improves outcomes for small businesses and their employees,” Mr Doyle said.
“The NSW Government is serious about being a partner with business in improving worker health and safety. It has provided more than $70 million of financial support through the introduction of the Employer Safety Incentive in June 2013 to encourage NSW small employers to focus on safety in the workplace.
“The NSW Government will now consider how it can drive similar improvements for medium and large businesses and their workers in future.”
