Month: August 2017

Behind the scenes at icare

 

WSIB’s close relationship with icare has allowed us to obtain information and understand what’s happening behind the scenes. Here’s what you need to know about the claims and premium transitions underway.

Open claims

icare have advised us that CGU and QBE have been notified that the transition of claims has begun. Existing open claims with CGU and QBE will gradually transition to GIO and EML from August to December 2017. All relevant parties will be notified by email of the actual date of transfer. Existing open claims with EML, Allianz and GIO will be processed as usual.

New claims

Up until the 30^th September, employers with policies aligned with CGU or QBE will continue to lodge new claims with their respective claims service provider. From the 1^st October 2017, their new claims will be lodged with GIO.

After 1^st January 2018, all new claims across all service providers will be lodged with EML under the new claims service model.

If you are unsure about any of the above information or wish to learn more about the changes underway, please contact WSIB at our office on (02) 9587 3500.

Policy Management

WSIB have been advised that icare will now be taking on the processing of Actual Wages Adjustments for policies that expired after 29^th June 2017. The processing of Actual Wages Adjustments will begin from mid -September.

Through attending a Broker Information “Looped In” session with key staff members from icare, WSIB will have updates on the claims transition and policy management changes happening in NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

Until then if you require any information relating to the changes in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, please contact WSIB at our office on (02) 9587 3500

Government ESL Backflip Creates Client Concern

 

The recent decision by the New South Wales State Government to reinstate the emergency services levy (ESL) continues to cause client concerns.

Since the recent decision, our National Insurance Industry Body has met with the New South Wales state treasurer Dominic Perrottet, who confirmed the decision to continue with the ESL on insurance policies and said the Government plans to introduce legislation later this month to reinstate the levy.

This decision is just four weeks away from when the previously proposed changes were due to take place and the Government’s backflip on the ESL has created a number of concerns in the business community.

The Insurance industry reacted with shock and disappointment to the news that the Government had decided against reducing taxes on insurance. With ESL, stamp duties and GST, more than 30% of household insurance premiums and 40% of commercial insurance property premiums go straight to the Government.

In the interim, while discussions continue to establish a firmer position, WSIB are keeping our clients informed on events as they unfold and will ensure you remain our first priority. However we expect a continuation of the current ESL arrangements until the Government makes specifics known in the near future.

What is WSIB Accident Assist?

 

We know how important your car is to you, and a car accident, no matter how minor, can be a stressful experience. However, WSIB is here to help you.

We’ve partnered with Indigo Vehicle Solutions to provide a value-added service called WSIB Accident Assist that means we are able to get you back on the road with minimal inconvenience.

HOW WSIB ACCIDENT ASSIST WORKS

Its simple. While your vehicle is being repaired, we’ll get you back on the road in a replacement vehicle.

If you are not at fault, our team will provide you with a similar vehicle for the duration of your vehicle repair.

If you are at fault, our team can provide a vehicle to you at a preferential rates, or if you have rental cover in your policy, Indigo can organise a vehicle subject to your policy entitlements.

To enable Indigo to recover the money, they will require your co-operation. Please ask for more information.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT

Simply call our Accident Assist Team on (02) 9587 3500. Your call will be answered by a trained professional who will take your details and commence the hiring of a vehicle process for you.

A helping hand when you need it most – Call our Accident Assist Team on (02) 9587 3500

Introducing – Saunders Safety & Training

 

Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers are very excited to announce the launch of our new National safety and training division Saunders Safety & Training (SS&T).

In keeping with our unparalleled expertise in the complex world of workers compensation we now also have WHS specialists who not only enjoy outstanding reputations within the WHS industry, but also share a passion for safety, injury prevention and a common desire to protect you and your business.

SS&T specialists are available to completely review your current WHS program and identify any gaps or risks and where necessary, enhance or redevelop your WHS systems and procedures to give you complete peace of mind over your risk management program.

Our workers compensation team will also work closely with our WHS specialists to analyse trends and performance across both areas. Outside of payroll, workers compensation premium can often be an employers most expensive cost. An investment in safety can reduce the long term financial burden of rising premiums due to the sensitive nature of premium formula.

That said, whilst management of your workers compensation program remains vitally important,
prevention is key to reduce work health & safety risk, and workers compensation premium.

Should you feel that you are an “at risk” employer, or would like a review of your current risk and safety program, please do not hesitate to contact our team on (02) 9958 9009 or email info@saunderssafety.com.au

Highest Fine Ever For A Single Offence Under OHS Laws Handed Down By A Victorian Court

Article by Laura Driscoll, Isabella Ledden, Colin Biggers & Paisley, 18 December 2016

 

In Brief – Employers Must Enforce Their Risk Management Systems.

A transport company has been fined $1 million after pleading guilty to breaching section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 after it failed to maintain a safe system of work.

Stevedore crushed in horrific workplace incident in Port Melbourne

In May 2014, a stevedore worker was run over by a MAFI (a flat trailer used to carry shipping containers) on the deck of a ship at Webb Dock in Port Melbourne.

The incident occurred while the stevedore was positioning rubber mats for the MAFIs to rest on during transit up a ramp and onto the ship. A fully loaded MAFI can weigh up to 90 tonnes.

The MAFI crushed the worker, amputating his left leg, and causing other severe injuries. A forklift was used by colleagues to lift the MAFI off the worker. He later died at the scene. As stated by WorkSafe Victoria health and safety executive director Marnie Williams, the stevedore worker died “in the most horrible of circumstances…traumatising the people who tried to save him.”

System to manage serious risk in place, but procedures inadequate

Judge Cannon of the Melbourne County Court found that although the transport company had a system in place to manage the serious risks associated with loading and unloading its ships, the most critically inadequate procedure was enforcing a “second pair of eyes on deck”.

The company’s system required a stevedore to stand near the top of the ramp to watch for pedestrians and direct the “prime movers” who are pushing or pulling the MAFIs.

However, at the time of the incident there was no such stevedore performing these duties. As a result, the MAFI was pushed unknowingly towards the now deceased worker.

Stark reminder to all employers

It is not enough for employers to have an awareness of the risks that employees face, nor simply put systems in place to manage them.  Appropriate enforcement of such systems is essential.

If you would like a review of your safety procedures please contact Saunders Safety & Training.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.