1 Making WorkCover Work for You! VCOSS Congress John Knowles Cambridge OHS Consultant August 2009

2 Premium Premium based on: Funds needed to run the scheme Industry rate Remuneration (wages, superannuation etc) For large employers: claims rate and claims costs If your claims rate is above industry rate = penalty If your claims rate is below industry rate = reduction in premium

3 Saving Premium Costs You control: Number of workers compensation claims Why do people make a claim on workers compensation instead of using sick leave? – discussion Length of period off work when ill or injured Why do people want to return to work? - discussion

4 Employer’s duties – Accident Compensation Act 1985 Display If you are injured poster Keep and use a Register of Injuries Lodge any claim served on you within 10 days to your workers compensation Agent (preferably with an Employer Injury Claim Form)

5 If $1 million remuneration OR workers compensation claimant: Appoint Return to Work Co-ordinator Develop Occupational Rehabilitation Program Develop Risk Management Program (templates in WorkSafe Victoria ’ s The Return to Work Guide for Victorian Employers) If worker likely to be away from work for total of 20 days or more, must develop Return to Work Plan and Offer of Suitable Duties

6 Accident Compensation Act 1985 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 Carry out an investigation to reduce the risk of subsequent injury of that kind = find the hazards that contributed to the injury / illness Pro-actively identify hazards (anything that could cause harm) Assess the risk of further injury or illness Assess the risk that each hazard will result in injury or illness Develop controls to reduce the risk of injury or illness Develop controls Review and monitor the effectiveness of the controls and ensure no further hazards created Review and monitor controls

7 Return to Work Stakeholders Injured or ill worker Return to Work Co-ordinator Workers compensation Agent claim manager Work supervisor / manager Fellow workers Those providing medical or psychological treatment Ingredients of success? - discuss

8 Note on discrimination and workers compensation recipients Those on workers compensation right to receive compensation for their injuries and illness and to be treated courteously and with respect Apart from that – do not have ‘ rights ’ beyond those of any other worker Eg subject to same performance management and disciplinary regime as co-workers

9 Social Equity in the Workplace Employers are expected to balance: Resident/customer/client rights with Employee/Agency staff/ contractor rights to a working environment that is safe and without risks to health Including free from occupational violence and harassment – whether intentional or unintentional Discuss

10 Cambridge Services to clients - FREE OHS and psychosocial advice by telephone and , including legal compliance (NOT a legal opinion) Client seminars – see handout (not all free!) CD of SafetySheets – handout SafePAK for small business – templates of OHS policies, procedures, checklists, forms Advice on small number of your policies and procedures

11 Cambridge Services to Clients – Fee for Service Walk through hazard audits Audits of policies and procedures (OHS, psychosocial, injury management) Training – tailored to your needs - stress management, bullying, violence, injury management, manual handling, chemicals, transporting clients, wellness programs etc Projects – work with you on OHS, psychosocial and injury management

12 VCOSS can arrange FREE 3 hour OHS consultancy FREE, confidential service Available for community organisations with up to 50 employees On your request, supplies information about OHS hazards (rating each high, medium or low risk) and OHS management systems (including policies and procedures needed for legal compliance) 3 hours at your premises, then writes a report for you

13 Consultants are selected by VCOSS for their knowledge of community services Contact: or telephone Laura on 9654