Disability Safe Project
The Disability Sector
The Disability Sector in NSW consists of small, medium and large employers providing services. The bulk of services are provided by non-profit organisations, largely funded by government (state or federal depending on the service type) and business and/or community charity donations.
Services can include accommodation support (mainly in group homes), in home support, respite services, social participation and community access, employment services and disability enterprises offering supported employment for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Disability enterprises may range from printing, packaging, sorting recycled waste, document destruction, landscaping, woodwork and a range of other activities.
It is anticipated that there will be a large increase in staffing over the coming years with major changes to the sector through the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and outsourcing of services previously provided through government organisations.
As with most other organisations, these service providers are required to have Workers Compensation coverage for their workforces. The cost of the Workers Compensation Premiums can have a large impact on the overheads paid by a Disability Service Provider and draw funds away from those that would otherwise be spent on supporting individuals. This booklet is designed to make suggestions on how to reduce the cost of Workers Compensation Premiums.
The Disability Safe Project
Download 'Recommendations for Reducing Compensation Premiums in the Disability Sector in NSW'
The Disability Safe Project commenced in 2007 in response to concerns regarding high injury rates and consequent workers compensation cost.The aim of the project has been to develop resources and services to addresss both areas.
Disability Safe has been funded by ADHC and the Industry Development as well as grants from Work Cover NSW. A Shared RTW co-ordinatir service, RTW and Injury management training has addressed workers compensation cost. Extensive project activities around high risk areas have been undertaken. Recent advice from icare NSW has indicated a 20% reduction in workers compensation claims and workers compensation premium costs despite an increase in staff numbers.
The aim of this booklet is to provide a resource for managers in the disability sector to ensure that this downward trend continues. Much of the advice is based on actions taken by organisations in the disability sector who have achieved a good record of injury reduction. NDS thanks them for sharing their knowledge with the sector.
When are workers compensation premiums required?
By law, all employers are required to have Workers Compensation coverage if:
- They are paying more than $7,500 in wages or
- They are employing apprentices or trainees
- They are a member of a group for workers compensation purposes
Workers Compensation policies cover employees that are employed on the following basis:
- Full time
- Part time
- Casual
- Contract
Even if you are exempt, you’ll still have Work, Health and Safety (WHS) obligations to ensure a safe workplace as well as obligations to notify icare NSW—formerly known as WorkCover) of work-related injuries in the workplace on 13 10 50.
