The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to supporting businesses across regional NSW holding a business forum in Cessnock.
The forum will provide over 50 local businesses with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their workers compensation premiums and save on their premiums.
With the gross incurred workers compensation cost at $33M per year in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA), the forum will include sessions on injury prevention, early intervention, and return to work strategies.
Sessions will also include information on how workers compensation premiums are calculated, how businesses can unlock savings on their premiums and understand what newly legislated reforms will mean for them.
With psychosocial claims on the rise, businesses will also hear about practical ways to manage psychosocial risks, invest in the wellbeing of their workforce and recovery support for mental health at work.
The Minns Labor Government has made the most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation, ensuring injury prevention, early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work.
The reform also puts the workers compensation system on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to support injured workers and be affordable for business.
The reform has seen the average premium rate for small businesses frozen from July, preventing what would have been a 36% hike to workers compensation premiums.
It also strengthens employer defences against compensation claims ensuring reasonable management action does not result in claims made against businesses.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year and the key to successful small businesses, is the workers at the heart of them.
"We know that navigating the workers compensation system can be difficult and we're committed to helping local business navigate the system, saving on their premiums and provide resources to keep their workforce safe.
"Helping businesses keep their workers safe, support recovery, and ensure everyone goes home safely isn't just good for health and wellbeing - it saves businesses money."
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"When our small businesses succeed, regional communities thrive.
"We're committed to creating an environment where local employers can focus on what they do best - growing their business, creating jobs, and serving their community.
"This forum in Cessnock is a fantastic opportunity for local small business owners to cut through the noise, learn how to lower their premiums, and build safer, healthier workplaces.
"I encourage local businesses to attend and take advantage of the support on offer."
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
"Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy and drive innovation, create local jobs, and build vibrancy across the Hunter and regional NSW.
"The electorate of Cessnock has close to 8,340 local businesses employing more than 36,000 people. Forums like this support these local businesses and their workers to navigate government systems and help them grow."
icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team Manager David Huxley said:
"We are here to help local business owners understand the impact their unique claims history and other risk factors have on the premium they pay and explain the 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 full of top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster."
