Understanding the current state of worker’s compensation Australia and Workcover claims helps businesses prioritise safety and refine prevention strategies relevant to their workplace.

This article investigates key statistics relating to high-risk industries and common injuries, workers’ compensation claims in Australia, and emerging trends and challenges for organisations.

Key Australian Statistics For Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries and illnesses remain a reality across all professions, and it’s widely agreed there are still too many serious workplace injuries, fatalities and illnesses. The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families and the broader community.

Out of 14.1 million Australians who worked in the 2021-22 period, approximately 3.5% (or 497,300 people) reported an illness or injury at work. The data is affected by COVID-19’s impact on economic activity over the period, but it’s still a positive trend from previous years (4.2% in 2017-18 and 6.4% in 2005-06). More good news is that workplace fatalities have been steadily declining since 2003.

Key Data Snapshot

• Over ten years, more than 1,850 workplace injury fatalities occurred in Australia.
• Over 1,140,000 workers have made severe workers’ compensation claims (lasting over a week).
• This translates to roughly 1 in 12 workers experiencing a severe injury at work.

Workers’ Compensation Claims: Frequency, Duration, and Costs

Worksafe Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics workplace injury data reveal from 2021-2022, 497,300 people had a work-related injury or illness (3.5% of people who worked at some time during the year). The most common cause of injury is lifting, pushing, pulling or bending (24%). Additionally:

• 66% had time off as a result of the injury or illness.
• 31% received workers’ compensation for the injury or illness.

The median time lost for a severe claim in Australia is around seven working weeks, and the average compensation paid for a serious claim in 2020-21 was $15,100.

Australia’s Riskiest Industries and The Most Common Injuries

The most high-risk industries

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing work with machinery, environmental hazards, and animal exposure
• Transport, postal and warehousing jobs involving driving and lifting 
• Construction workers at heights and using heavy machinery 
• Healthcare and social assistance can face injuries from patient handling
• Manufacturing, where operating machinery, chemical exposure, and repetitive tasks cause injuries.

Most common injury types and causes

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and heavy lifting
• Slips, trips, and falls are seemingly minor incidents that can become serious, especially in high-risk environments
• Injuries from falling objects, machinery, tools and equipment.
• Psychological injuries through stress, fatigue, and violence can all contribute to mental health-related issues.

Emerging Trends Shaping Workplaces

Increasing remote and hybrid work arrangements means workplaces must ensure measures are in place for staff to prevent injuries at home while working.

Mental health claims are on the rise (13% of serious claims in 2020-21), prompting regulators to emphasise psychological safety in workplaces. 

Artificial Intelligence and automation over the last several decades have enhanced working conditions and production efficiency. However, work-related musculoskeletal conditions remain common. State and federal governments constantly review and revise workers’ compensation schemes. Organisations need to stay up-to-date on these changes to ensure compliance.

Partnering With You For Worker’s Compensation Claim Success

With access to a network of medical experts and our team of in-house professionals in work-related injuries, learn more about how Red Health provides legal and insurance specialists an easier, friendlier medico-legal experience. 

The post Australian Workplace Injuries and Workers Compensation Claims for 2023 appeared first on Red Health.

A study published in the Pain Medicine journal found virtual examinations could actually be as accurate as in-person assessments when it comes to cases of chronic pain. Another in the Journal of the American Medical Association determined that virtual IMEs were as reliable for assessing functional capacity with work-related injuries.

So, let’s look into the typical issues and concerns of virtual Independent Medical Assessments and best practice tips and advice for maximising a virtual independent medical exam for a medico-legal report.

The Reliability and Accuracy of Virtual IMEs

Medical Experts, especially those in the Red Health referral network, are highly qualified and experienced medical professionals trained to conduct thorough and objective assessments, regardless of whether it is in person or virtually.

Before the IME appointment, the individual’s identity will be verified. The environment is controlled meaning that the appointment will take place in a medical consulting suite and where a physical assessment is required, a surrogate practitioner will be in attendance with the examinee. The surrogate will perform any clinical testing required by the medical expert and will be under their direct supervision. During the appointment, the medical expert and surrogate monitor the examinee’s presentation and record any observations that may help determine the independent medical opinion.

Maintaining Objectivity and Impartiality

Using a secure video conferencing platform helps protect the examinee’s privacy and confidentiality, along with explaining that the IME should be held in a controlled setting to ensure the examinee is comfortable and minimises distractions.

The virtual setting can sometimes make it more difficult for the medical expert to interpret the examinee’s mood and emotions, which may be important to the unique case in question, so they are trained to be additionally cognisant of body language, voice tone, and general observations of the examinee.

As always, IME medical experts will tailor their interview with the examinee to the claim type and to ensure they can answer any specific questions with confidence and reasoning.

Overcoming Technological Challenges

Weak and unstable internet connection is the most common problem that disrupts a virtual IME, as does poor video and audio quality. The medical expert and the examinee must both ensure that they have access to reliable technology in order for the virtual assessment to be a success.

Prepare for your IME by

• Ensuring your software is the latest version
• Testing your equipment before the appointment 
• Attending the appointment in a controlled and private space
• Being mindful of your positioning on camera
• Closing any unnecessary programs to free up internet bandwidth

To ensure everything goes smoothly with our virtual IMEs, Red Health have an in-house IT team that uses encrypted software to safeguard your client’s data at all times and testing prior to each assessment is undertaken!

Addressing Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns

Concerns about data security, examinee privacy, and the transmission of sensitive information are common with virtual IMEs. However, we live in a digital world and being aware of privacy and confidentiality obligations and preventing breaches is becoming second nature for individuals and organisations alike.

Another concern is that others might overhear the content of an assessment, which is why a quiet and controlled location is essential for the examination.

Red Health provides a secure system for storing and transmitting assessment data which has password protection, two-factor authentication and encryption measures built in.

IME experts should have a policy for virtual assessments that outlines the measures they take to protect customer data and privacy, which includes auditing to ensure policies are followed.

The Virtual Era of Medico-Legal Assessment

Virtual Independent Medical Examinations are a fantastic way to ensure everyone can access a medico-legal report performed by a medical specialist to evaluate and provide an opinion about their injury or illness. 

With some planning and measures in place, we can make virtual IMEs a safe and effective way to assess the impact of illness and injury in medico-legal cases.

Not sure whether a virtual assessment is suitable for your needs? Let our friendly client experience team guide the way. Simply click here to learn more!

The post Virtual IMEs – Addressing Industry Concerns appeared first on Red Health.

With many teams choosing to stay working remotely (or hybrid), employers must take steps to prevent work-from-home injuries and have a plan in place should they occur.

How Australians are working differently post-Covid. 

Many employees have embraced working from home as part of the new normal. These new WFH workplace risks now need to be monitored, like when staff are working from the company office.

“The Families in Australia Survey: Towards Covid Normal found that among the employed survey respondents, 67% were sometimes or always working from home, compared to 42% pre-Covid”.

Remote work benefits include:

• Increased productivity (fewer distractions and interruptions)
• Better work-life balance by reducing commuting time and travel costs 

On the other side of the coin, the disadvantages of working remotely include:

• Reduced work-life balance by overworking and constant connectedness
• Feelings of disconnect from peers
• Breakdown in communication between peers
• Risk of isolation and loneliness
• Distractions at home

While challenges and risks are associated with working from home, many Australian workers still prefer this if given the option.

Legal Aspects for Employers to Consider

Employers must provide a safe working environment, even those working from home. Legal action could be on the cards if an employee fails to provide a safe work environment.

Even if an employee is hurt at home, they are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. There are challenges, however, in determining whether an injury occurred while working at home.

Common work-from-home injuries and how employers can help prevent them.

Sound injury prevention practice provides staff with educational resources and training materials on ergonomic best practices, proper lifting techniques, and other relevant topics to have on hand. 

• Musculoskeletal injuries in the neck, back and shoulders are common, caused by prolonged sitting periods and poor working posture. Employers can ensure that proper ergonomic assessments have been completed for all staff working from home and provide appropriate ergonomic education and equipment (adjustable chair, sit-stand desk, monitor arm) and education on maintaining correct posture, taking regular breaks to stretch, and varying their work positions throughout the day.

• Prolonged screen exposure causes eye strain leading to headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Employers can help minimise this by providing a quality monitor set to the correct brightness and contrast, encouraging regular screen breaks and that the home office environment has good natural light. Managers can also schedule screen breaks in staff’s calendars to remind them.
  
• Slips, trips, and falls can still happen at home due to power cords, slippers, kid’s toys, or even a freshly mopped floor. Employers should remind staff to keep a clutter-free space, wear appropriate footwear and have adequate lighting in their workspace.
  
• Isolation, lack of social interaction, and blurred lines between work and home life can contribute to stress-related injuries (headaches, anxiety and depression).

• Electrical injuries from faulty equipment or not following safety procedures. These are preventable by providing staff with safe and functional electrical equipment, conducting authorised annual testing and tagging, and ensuring employees understand proper electrical safety procedures.

Psychological injuries can occur due to a number of reasons; from feeling overwhelmed to having to deal with an upset customer right through to challenges that employees face in their lives. Employers can support their team by scheduling regular check-ins, and making employee assistance programs, counselling, or support groups available. Encourage staff to take annual leave and maintain clear work-life boundaries for their mental well-being. Virtual coffee breaks, not just meetings, help remote workers to stay connected with colleagues and feel part of the team. 

Fair work hour expectations, response times, and deadlines should be reiterated, and regular communication and self-care should be encouraged.

Offer virtual wellness programs like fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, or access to online resources related to stress management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Red Health is here to support you.

If an employee has experienced a work-from-home injury or you suspect that a medical condition is impacting their ability to perform the inherent requirements of their role, Red Health provides Independent Medical Assessments which help employers understand how they can assist the employee whilst adhering to WHS best practices.

Both Red Health and our sister company, Flexiwell Group, understand that there is no-one-size-fits-all approach when assessing individuals regarding work-related injuries and illnesses. 

Collectively, we offer a range of services that are specifically designed to provide clarity to both the employer and employee when injury or illness may play a role in the workplace.

Every individual and every situation is different. We take great pride in a human-centred model to ensure clients make informed selections about the type of medico-legal evaluation or expertise they need.

Do you have a question for our medico-legal advisory team?

Contact our friendly Client Experience team today.

The post Preventing Work from Home Injuries: What Every Employer Needs to Know appeared first on Red Health.

Post Covid-19, the general societal consensus is, that how we view and discuss mental well-being needs to change. While the pandemic certainly contributed to increased levels of mental health decline, the problem very much existed before that. And in the workplace, it was generally suppressed and glossed over. At Red Health, we’re making 2023 the year that we make mental health in the workplace a focus like never before.

Mental health explained

A person does not need to meet the criteria for a mental illness or disorder to experience the adverse effects of have their working life impacted. Short-term and stress-related situations also make it challenging to work and live well. 

A person’s physical ability, living conditions, employment situation and access to services are critical factors that shape an individual’s mental health. It affects our functionality, relationships and life outlook and due to that, needs to be considered closely in Fitness For Duty assessments. 

Optimal mental health coupled with physical and social wellbeing is essential for human performance. Positive mental health helps in:

• Responding better to challenges 
• Adapting to change and being resilient 
• Socialising, connecting and empathising with others
• Understanding regulating and expressing our emotions
• Living fulfilling lives
  

Mental health claims have increased, but it’s not why you think…

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Work-related Injuries Survey 2013–14 report showed that 60 percent of employees who were eligible for workers’ compensation under mental stress provisions but didn’t make a claim!

Work cover claims have since increased. A rise in instances is a factor, but the mental health spotlight has encouraged more people to heed their mental well-being.

Staff emotional well-being is integral to business success.

Worker’s Compensation claims cost business through productivity loss and the considerable cost associated with litigation and case management.

Why workplace wellness is a priority

While the worst of the pandemic is over, many are still overcoming its effects. Compelling mental health support must become an integral part of our new normal if businesses want to thrive.

Employers can take the following actions to take care of their work family’s mental health: 

• Adequate and well- implemented OHS practices 
• Transparent communication and engagement, especially during change and uncertainty
• Wellbeing support options, e.g. employee assistance or other subsidised programs, quiet spaces and mental health assessment tools
• Opportunities for feedback 
• Support for managing workloads and;
• Policies to report and correct inappropriate conduct.

Discussing mental health at work is no longer unseasonable.

The pandemic forced us to reprioritise and is credited as one of the catalysts for The Great Resignation. Shifting attitudes empowered many employees to say no to being burned out and being overworked and under appreciated. They’ve realised the importance of striking a work-life balance and investing quality time in their personal life.

Employees are better at advocating for their rights and speaking up when they’re not coping. If it goes unaddressed, they’ll work at another organisation that values their mental health. 

Employers must prioritise mental well-being to retain staff and reduce Work Cover claims and recruitment costs.

Support for employers

Red Health has a range of services, including strategic advisory, to support employers navigating the complexities of mental health-related work cover claims.

Contact us today to discover more 1300 100 733 or email recruitment@redhealth.com.au.

The post Fitness For Duty: Why companies need to focus on employee mental health. appeared first on Red Health.