The Minns Labor Government in conjunction with experts from icare have held a workers compensation forum dedicated to mentally healthy workplaces for close to 200 businesses and Not for Profit organisations in the Sydney CBD to address rising psychosocial claims.
Psychological injury is the fastest growing injury type in NSW with icare promoting greater awareness in creating a Mentally Healthy workplace and a better understanding on how businesses can support their workforce.
Workplace bullying and harassment causes serious harm to worker health. According to the Productivity Commission bullying costs organisations up to $36 billion annually in Australia.
The multi-session forum featured speakers from the NSW Government, icare, and SafeWork NSW, covering:
- Discussions of what really drives bullying and harassment behaviours and take a practical look at how culture, leadership and job design can prevent harm.
- Assisting with prevention and support for individuals within workplaces and your local community.
- Information on injury prevention, early intervention and recovery support with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their premiums.
The forum also advised small businesses on how they can better navigate the workers compensation system, how to handle claims and offered information on return-to-work programs.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year.
The Sydney city and Inner south region has close to 33,000 businesses that employ almost 800,000 people. Gross incurred workers compensation cost per year in the region is over $280 million.
The icare Mobile Engagement Team (MET) is travelling right across New South Wales, offering tailored education on employer responsibilities, claims, and premiums, helping businesses navigate the workers compensation system. The MET team has travelled regionally right around New South Wales, visiting the south and north coast with sessions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Lismore amongst others.
Employers in NSW can register for future events online or immediately access a range of free, easy-to-use tools from icare's Small Business Hub.
The icare online Mental Health Hub, provides employers with free tools, resources, and guidance to support their workforce, manage claims and help tackle these costs
For more information about upcoming icare outreach events, visit the website.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"Helping local employers support their workers to stay safe, recover and return to work and get home safely at the end of every day not only safeguards workers' health, but saves them money.
These forums provide support and information for businesses of all sizes. Icare experts provide one on one support, resolve issues and offer advice.
"The Government has undertaken important reforms to icare and I'm pleased that these outreach programs complement the appointments of an employer and union representative to the icare Board to help support businesses and workers.
"I'm proud the Minns Government has strengthened the state's work health and safety regulator. This includes a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards, the appointment of 20 new psychosocial inspectors and the establishment of a new psychosocial advisory service to support workers."
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of Sydney. It is important that we support them to find ways to successfully navigate the Workers Compensation system.
"I wish to sincerely thank the local business community for their collaboration and assistance to put this event together. Their commitment to finding smarter, more efficient ways to operate is what keeps the local economy moving."
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
"Events like this in the heart of our CBD are vital in giving local business owners the practical tools, expert insights, and cost-saving strategies they need to succeed.
"We're committed to creating every opportunity for local businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive.
"Stronger local businesses mean stronger communities, and that's what drives us every day.
"I want to thank Minister Cotsis for her strong advocacy and unwavering support for small business."
icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team Adam O'Leary said:
"Psychosocial injury claims have increased sharply in recent years, particularly in high pressure roles and people facing industries.
"This event was about equipping business owners with practical strategies to reduce risks, meet WHS obligations, and support their people through recovery, because healthier workplaces are stronger workplaces."
