A Bill that scraps presumptive compensation for workers with COVID-19, and passed the NSW Lower House yesterday, will make it "next to impossible" for coronavirus victims to obtain benefits, the Greens have warned. But industry groups claim there are "multiple tools" to help claimants establish a work-COVID link.
After successfully pushing for presumptive workers' compensation and death benefits for prescribed workers who contract COVID-19, the NSW Greens have announced laws creating a "far superior scheme" than the Federal Government's new no-fault vaccine claims process.
Icare NSW has revealed circumstances where workers who suffer adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines could be eligible for workers' compensation, while the State Government has announced legislation to improve the workers' comp system and clarify the powers of its WHS regulator and other bodies.
In a move that should influence the workplace management of psychological injuries, a regulator has amended its expectations of insurers to require an empathetic response to psychological injury claims and the identification of any safety risks posed by recovery-at-work arrangements.
Information-exchange laws that help WHS regulators target employers exposing workers to existing and emerging occupational health risks have passed NSW Parliament, with important amendments. NSW has also made regulations for injured workers whose earnings are affected by COVID-19.