There have been many changes to the legislation surrounding the Australian workers compensation system since it was first introduced. While it originally developed from 19th century British law in order to determine who was eligible for compensation at work as a result of injury, it has been modified significantly over time. Yet the legislation may face additional hurdles in the future due to the introduction of new workplace challenges.
Stress
The face of the workplace in Australia is in a constant state of change. Work is becoming far more transient in nature and less secure. There's been a general state of uncertainty ever since the global financial crisis, and many employees report that they are worried about their job, take less annual leave, and constantly think about their workplace when they're away. Many employees find it difficult to maintain an adequate work-life balance. This means that workplace resilience is a major threat, as employees find that they find it difficult to disconnect from challenging situations at work. This high level of stress means that a new wave of psychological illness may be around the corner. Employers should consider that this may be a future trend in terms of illness and injury and, ultimately, in terms of paying workers compensation.
Age
Another issue surrounds the ageing of the workforce. As the baby boomer generation comes close to retirement, it will be more difficult to differentiate between work-related illnesses and injuries and age-related conditions.
Obesity
Yet another issue could challenge employers in terms of workers compensation in the future. There is an epidemic of obesity around the world and certainly in Australia. The condition starts in childhood and, as the problem grows, these issues are likely to carry forward into adulthood with cardiovascular illness, diabetes, osteoarthritis and other issues likely to reach epidemic proportions. Obesity may well contribute to several injury and condition claims, due to the complex, no-fault system in the framework of Australia's workers compensation program.
What to Consider
Employers need to make sure that they are adequately covered for all eventualities when it comes to their workers compensation exposure. Your workplace needs to increasingly focus on employee wellness and health and consider early intervention as necessary. It's important to recognise the development of any potential condition or injury so that it is addressed in the pre-claim phase, before any claim is lodged by the worker.
For more information about what the future of workers compensation holds, talk to an agent like those at Westralian Insurance.
