Safe Work Australia is looking to reduce the stereotypes around claiming workers’ compensation.
“Workers’ compensation provides an important safety net to support people who become ill or injured because of work,” Safe Work CEO Michelle Baxter said.
“It provides financial support and other assistance so workers can focus on getting back to work safely.
“One of the most important factors contributing to a worker’s recovery and safe return to work is whether they have a supportive and inclusive work environment.
“This campaign will build awareness of workers’ compensation stigma and provide practical resources to help employers, supervisors and workers to understand what they can do to reduce it.
“Everyone can play a role to create a workplace where injured or ill workers are supported and protected from experiencing workers’ compensation stigma.”
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One in three workers found felt they were treated differently if coworkers knew about an injury or illness according to research.
One in five were worried about the stigma that came with claiming workers’ comp.
This – according to Safe Work – can result in workers being reluctant to come forward with injury or illness.
Safe Work’s campaign will be in conjunction with other work safety bodies across the country. It will be part of the National Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030 which aims to improve things for ill and injured workers.
“Supporting ill or injured workers to get back to work safely benefits everyone – the worker, their team and the broader organisation,” Safe Work Chairperson Joanne Farrell said.
“By understanding what workers’ compensation stigma is, where it can occur, and how to identify it, we can take action to reduce it.”
Safe Work Australia does not handle workers’ comp schemes or claims. This is handled by the Commonwealth.
Find more information on the campaign here.