WHS and workers compensation in Aus and NZ: reports out

The 21st edition of the ‘Comparative Performance Monitoring’ report and the ‘Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand (2019)’ report have been published. ‘Comparative Performance Monitoring’ analyses trends in work health and safety (WHS) and workers compensation scheme performance across Australia and New Zealand. The 21st edition revealed that the incidence rate of serious workers compensation claims decreased by 10% across the country between 2013–14 and 2016–17, with falls recorded in most jurisdictions. WHS authorities undertook 230,054 workplace interventions, issued 46,472 notices for WHS breaches and finalised 289 legal proceedings, resulting in $18.9 million in fines ordered by the courts.

The report revealed that total expenditure for workers compensation schemes was $8.457 billion in 2017–18, 80% of which went to claimants through direct payments or services. Average workers compensation premium rates have also decreased by 10% over the last five years. The report is published in three parts: work health and safety performance, work health and safety compliance and enforcement activities, and premiums, entitlements and scheme performance.

‘Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand (2019)’ provides information on the operation of workers compensation schemes in each jurisdiction across Australia and New Zealand. It provides information such as coverage, benefits, return to work provisions, dispute resolution and cross-border arrangements.

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