The Minns Labor Government continues its commitment to worker safety by hosting a forum with almost 300 Parramatta businesses at CommBank stadium
The iCare Business Community Forum brings together the icare Mobile Engagement Team (MET), Dust Disease Care Mobile Clinic, Workers Compensation team, SIRA and SafeWork to provide local businesses with resources and information on injury prevention, early intervention, and recovery support for mental health at work.
With the gross incurred workers compensation cost at $302M per year in the Parramatta region, the forum will help businesses navigate the workers compensation system and will provide advice on return-to-work strategies.
The Minns Labor Government recently passed the most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation. The reform prioritises prevention and improves return to work rates.
The reform will see the average premium rate for small businesses frozen from July, preventing what would have been a 36% hike to workers compensation premiums.
It will also strengthen employer defences against compensation claims ensuring reasonable management action does not result in claims made against businesses.
With injury prevention a key focus of the forum, iCare's $2.5M state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be providing free lung screening checks which can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year.
"With 200,000 workers employed by local businesses in the Parramatta region, this forum is about ensuring businesses have the information and resources they need to prevent injuries in the workplace and support workers navigating the workers compensation system.
"Helping local employers keep their workers safe, support recovery, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of each day isn't just good for health - it saves businesses money."
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
"Small Businesses are the backbone of Parramatta. They are often run by local families and employ locals too.
"They need support and advice and events like this highlight the Minns Labor government to supporting local businesses to keep their workers safe.
"It's great to have the Lung Bus arrive here in Parramatta. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy."
icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team Manager David Huxley said:
"We want to help local business owners understand the impact their unique claims history and other risk factors have on the premium they pay, and that there are savings and incentives that are often available to them.
"The calculations behind icare's premiums are risk-based, and businesses with strong safety performance are usually rewarded with discounted premiums. Our talk is packed with top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster."
For more information about upcoming icare outreach events including Lung Bus tour dates visit the website.
