FIRST REPORT ON WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWS - INEQUITABLE, UNFAIR, UNSUPPORTIVE, CREATING FINANCIAL BURDEN AND HIGH ANXIETY

1 April 2009

Full Report

Today - 1 April 2009, the full impact of the changes to the workers compensation laws will come into effect with almost 3,000 workers facing 100% loss of income and others receiving less compensation for loss of limb or body function.  A day after the WorkCover liability hit $1.3 billion.

SA Unions has also chosen this day to release a report commissioned from the University of South Australia which is the first collection of issues and impacts of the laws on injured workers since their passing last July.

Ms Giles, Secretary of SA Unions said "Injured workers are often too terrified to speak for themselves in fear of repercussions by WorkCover, so the report has gathered evidence from the files and cases of those who advocate on their behalf.  it is the first of a series of on-going and regular reports on the impact."

Key findings of the report are:

• Workers choices are reduced when faced with a WorkCover claim
• Extreme anxiety about the new medical panels which do not allow workers to be represented or question the decision of the panel
• Considerable financial hardship for injured workers
• An increase in the number of pre-emptive payouts often to the financial and emotional detriment of workers
• Less time and less adequate rehabilitation and training
• Significant amount of severe emotional stress and possible suicides.

"This report verifies that the financial problems of the SA Workers Compensation Scheme are being paid for by the wages, pain and suffering of injured workers," Ms Giles says.

A number of case studies are included in the report which illustrate the findings.

"Megan cried through her whole Tribunal session.  She just couldn't take it anymore.  She never imagined being on the system for 2 years.  She had read all the documents that had been sent to her but she didn't understand them.  Miranda is not sure if she'll be able to keep quiet whilst accompanying her client during a medical review.  If she can't support her client, she'll feel like she's not doing what she's supposed to do and that's letting her client down.  But what if she interrupts and makes it worse?"

"From yesterday's figures, the scheme is clearly not fixed by attacking workers.  It needs significant reform at all levels.  We continue to call on the Premier to work with us to find real solutions that treat people with dignity and get them back to meaningful work."

"Today is a very dark day for injured workers and their families.  Anyone could be injured at work and face this now inhumane system through no fault of their own.  We urge the Government to take heed of this report and consider the human impact, not just the bottom line", Ms Giles says.