The forums, run by icare, will provide over 100 local businesses with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their premiums and will provide vital information on injury prevention, early intervention, and recovery support for mental health at work.
The forums will include information on how premiums are calculated, what business owners can do to support their staff’s wellbeing, and will provide advice on return-to-work strategies.
The session will feature speakers from the NSW Government, icare, and SafeWork NSW, and will cover topics such as Savings & Incentives for Small Business, Mentally Healthy Workplaces & Understanding your psychosocial obligations, and Understanding your Experience-Rated Employer Premium to minimise costs.
The Wollongong region has over 9,700 businesses that employ nearly 85,000 people. The gross incurred workers compensation cost per year in the region is almost $34 million.
The workers compensation reforms will also see the average premium rate for small businesses frozen from July, preventing what would have been a 36% hike to workers compensation premiums.
The reforms also strengthen 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. The Minns Labor Government has recently passed the biggest suite of reforms to the Workers’ Compensation scheme in over a decade, and it’s important to have forums like these to share essential information on how these changes will benefit their businesses.
“These important forums in Wollongong are about giving businesses of all sizes the practical support they need. iCare experts will be on hand with advice, tools, and one-on-one guidance. This one-on-one engagement is critical.
“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 Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“Small Businesses are the backbone to our communities, often run by local families and employ locals too. They need support and advice and I’m proud that the Minns Labor government is providing this ongoing help.”
“I am happy to see iCare engage with the small business community in Wollongong.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities. They drive innovation, create local jobs, and build vibrancy in Wollongong and across NSW.
“I see firsthand the strength of local business owners, and I want to ensure the government supports them to navigate government systems and help them grow.
“I sincerely thank the Wollongong local business community for its collaboration and commitment to finding smarter ways to operate and keeping the local economy moving.”
icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team Manager David Huxley said:
“At icare, 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 full of top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster.”
The forums are part of series of events designed to support businesses across NSW with the next forum in Paramatta on 31 March.
For more information about upcoming icare outreach events, visit the website.
