Minister for Finance and Services Andrew Constance and Minister for Small Business Katrina Hodgkinson have today announced a strategy designed to make it easier for small businesses to comply with their work health and safety obligations.
“The strategy, WorkCover: Making It Easier, is a direct result of a collaboration between industry, business and the Office of the Small Business Commissioner to allow WorkCover to provide tailored support to small businesses,” Mr Constance said.
“In addition to improving communication and service delivery, the strategy will help small business operators with limited time and resources to better manage work health and safety as well as returning injured workers to work.”
“The strategy is designed to help small businesses embed a risk-based approach to their everyday operations through a series of initiatives such as rebates, advisory programs, mentoring and dedicated support officers based in regional areas.”
As part of the strategy, WorkCover has established a dedicated small business service within its Customer Service Centre.
Minister for Small Business Katrina Hodgkinson said the strategy and the establishment of a Small Business Stakeholder Reference Group, marks a significant and positive change in the way WorkCover will interact with industry.
“By setting realistic expectations for small business, WorkCover is making sure that operators can put in place solutions which are practical for them,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Through collaboration we have been able to deliver small business-friendly strategies which will make it easier and safer for small businesses to operate in NSW,”
“This is good news for the 680,000 small businesses operating in NSW as safer workplaces are more competitive delivering wider benefits to the NSW economy,” Mr Constance said.
“I commend all of the industry partners who worked closely with WorkCover on the development of this strategy.”
“This strategy is the latest initiative of a range of measures delivered by WorkCover to assist small business. Other measures include reducing red tape around workers compensation insurance and financial support for businesses with five or less employees that offer suitable work to injured workers,” he said.
“The NSW Government and WorkCover remain committed to working closely with business and industry to reduce injuries and ensure sustainable and improved work health and safety outcomes into the future.”
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