Latest news with #workerscompensation
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Need a lie down': NSW parliamentary inquiry erupts over Labor's workers comp reforms
NSW's nominal insurer is 'plunging further into insolvency' by more than $6m a day the state's Treasurer has revealed, as Labor's controversial workers compensation reforms face another round of public inquiry. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey revealed during an heated parliamentary inquiry on Tuesday that icare was tipped to rise from a deficit of $4.9bn at the end of 2024 to $6bn on July 1 absent reform. 'The nominal insurer is likely to hold $0.78 in assets for every dollar of future liability, meaning it is plunging further into insolvency at a faster rate,' Mr Mookhey said. 'Or, to put it even more simply, the scheme is no longer going backwards by $5m per day, it is going backwards by more than $6m every day.' The state government's plan to reform workers compensation in NSW hit a major hurdle earlier this month when a strange coalition of the Liberals, Greens and the independents joined together to force another public inquiry. The Liberals have proposed a number of amendments to the Bill, namely staying the lifting of the threshold of permanent whole person impairment (WPI) for psychological injury, and have called on the government to provide costings. After hours of hearings, sparks immediately flew over modelling for the amendments between opposition treasury spokesman Damien Tudehope and Mr Mookhey who said 'the government is co-operating with this inquiry'. Mr Mookhey and Mr Tudehope clashed again over the WPI, which Labor proposes lifting to 30 per cent. The Opposition claims doing so would harm workers injured psychologically to such an extent they may never work again. NSW Treasury Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter earlier told the committee there was a 'well developed pathway' for those people who, once completing their 130 weeks of payments, would instead transition to the NDIS scheme. Labor claims the changes would not only help reduce the burden on the beleaguered state self-insurer, but would also allow injured workers access to lump sum payments should they wish, instead of remaining on compensation. It was over the WPI that Mr Mookhey faced his second heated argument, this time with Greens MLC Abigail Boyd who asked if he knew the change 'would make us the harshest jurisdiction in Australia and one of the harshest in the world'. Mr Mookhey said he didn't 'accept the characterisation'. He claimed that at 130 weeks, 88 per cent of psychologically injured workers were back at work and accused Ms Boyd of being 'deliberately misleading' in claiming it would cut off '90 something per cent of people' currently on the scheme. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Michael Epstein told the committee earlier on Tuesday afternoon that in comparison with other states, NSW's lifting of the WPI to 30 per cent would make it the 'harshest' in the country. 'NSW is going to take the crown,' Dr Epstein said. Ms Boyd went on to summarise the evidence presented to the committee in three ways: she disputed the projected $2.5bn cost to the self-insurer, said there was 'no imminent danger of scheme collapse', and that the proposed WPI threshold was 'unbearably cruel'. 'I'll just make the point, you're entitled to vote against the legislation,' Mr Mookhey said in reply. Ms Boyd went on to accused Mr Mookhey of using 'misleading language' in referring to payments made by the state government to the self-insurer as a 'bail out', and asked him to 'admit you were wrong'. In response, Mr Mookhey said: 'No'. Following the heated exchange, Ms Boyd said: 'I think we need a bit of a lie down now'. A range of practising psychiatrists, insurance industry representatives and leaders from NSW Treasury and the nominal insurer, icare, gave evidence during the hours-long hearing on Tuesday. Mr Mookhey has warned the state self-insurer is tipped to cost the budget $2.6bn over the next five years, while premiums for the nominal insurer have already been set for eight-per-cent for the next financial year. Exactly how the state government will deliver savings through the scheme was under the spotlight during the hearing, with leaders from NSW Treasury and the nominal insurer grilled over costings for the proposed amendments. Largely, though, the numbers were not available.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
THREE Business Insurance Provides Valuable Information on Proven Strategies for Restaurant Risk Management
What to know about restaurant risk management and insurance. Omaha, NE, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If you own or operate a restaurant, you know that how well you manage daily risks plays a major role in your success. Effective restaurant risk management has many parts, but it starts with having the right financial protection. While there are other steps to take to reduce restaurant risks, getting the right insurance is a critical first step. Even if your employees follow every best practice and training tip, they're still human. Even the most careful employees make mistakes from time to time. That's why having a comprehensive policy from THREE is a lifesaver! Whether one of your team members suffers a deep cut while working in the kitchen or a storm damages your roof, your policy can pay the associated costs so you don't have to dip into your savings or revenues. For restaurant owners and investors, having that financial protection is incredibly reassuring. Let's explore the topic of restaurant business risk management, including what coverages are in a THREE policy and five steps you can take to lower your risk. Protect your restaurant with a comprehensive THREE policy. THREE is a leader in food industry risk management. Our all-in-one insurance for restaurants is designed to protect your whole business. It has all the coverage most restaurants need to mitigate risks, including: WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE This coverage protects employees who get hurt at work. It can pay for their treatment and rehabilitation and cover part of their wages while they recover. If an employee dies on the job, this insurance can pay what's known as a death benefit to the family. PROPERTY INSURANCE This part of a THREE policy protects your business from the costs of repairing, restoring, or replacing business property. It's crucial in case of an incident like a kitchen fire or natural disaster that damages your building or its contents. Plus, it can pay expenses related to business interruption if you have to shut down temporarily. EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE EPLI covers claims by your employees of sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and the associated legal costs. COMMERCIAL AUTO INSURANCE Accident liability, physical damage to your vehicles (collision and non-collision related damage), and towing reimbursement are included in Commercial Auto. LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE The Liquor Liability component of a THREE policy can protect you from incidents related to serving (or overserving) alcohol to your customers. CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE If a hacker gains unauthorized access to your systems, steals sensitive information, and uses it to commit fraud, cyber liability can protect your business. A THREE policy has all of the coverage most businesses need—making it an effective component of your restaurant risk management plan. Getting a quote and buying insurance from THREE is easy. Getting a quote for restaurant business insurance shouldn't be difficult or time-consuming, and with THREE, it isn't. You can get a quote online in five minutes or less. After getting a quote, you can also buy your policy online or over the phone. Coverage is typically active the next day. 5 proven strategies for restaurant risk management. Risk management is essential in the food industry. However, it's impossible to eliminate all restaurant business risks. But if you're willing to invest the time and effort, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks common in the industry. Here are five actions that can greatly reduce the likelihood of costly food service incidents: 1. Perform a restaurant risk assessment. To minimize your risks, you have to understand your risks. It's essential to look at every aspect of your operation critically and consider what could go wrong. That's probably not something you'll look forward to or enjoy, as it forces you to acknowledge that your business is vulnerable to all kinds of incidents—and that can be a little scary. But knowledge is power, and once you complete your restaurant risk assessment, you're in the driver's seat and can take steps to minimize those vulnerabilities. 2. Develop mandatory employee onboarding and training processes. The restaurant industry tends to have a high turnover rate, so your business will likely bring in new employees regularly. And, of course, you want them to get up-to-speed as quickly as possible. Just be sure not to prioritize speed over safety. Standardizing and documenting how you'll get new people acclimated to their roles and responsibilities ensures safety training doesn't get forgotten. Training should include providing general information (like company policies and rules) and role-specific training (how to use kitchen equipment as a cook), as well as key safety processes and procedures. 3. Monitor and maintain your facilities and equipment. Actions like shoveling sidewalks and mopping wet floors as soon as you notice a problem help reduce the risk of employee and customer injuries. Similarly, addressing issues like a minor roof leak promptly can keep it from becoming a significant problem and safety risk. It's also important to check and service your equipment regularly to protect employees and customers. 4. Know and follow safety codes. Health Department rules and regulations vary by location, so it's essential to understand what's required of your restaurant in everything from employee hygiene and food storage to kitchen and dining area cleanliness. Be sure to stay current on the rules and ensure your employees understand and follow them. Being in compliance also means having the appropriate licenses. 5. Be transparent about ingredients and allergens. Triggering a customer's food allergy can harm them and lead to a costly lawsuit. Be sure your menus have clear and complete information about ingredients, and train your kitchen staff and servers on how to protect diners from issues like cross-contamination and being served the wrong dish. Trying to reduce your restaurant business risk? We can help! THREE has deep experience providing insurance for food service businesses, which is why so many restaurant owners see us as their restaurant risk management partner. New owners rely on us for information on insurance basics. We help them understand that our policy provides the essential insurance coverage they need to protect their businesses, enabling them to move forward confidently in opening and operating a successful establishment. Experienced business owners and operators also trust THREE for comprehensive coverage backed by outstanding customer service. If their companies grow or change, we're happy to update their policies to ensure they have the financial protection they need. The fact that we're part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group, with all its expertise and resources, is especially significant to people who run multiple restaurants. Their operations are more complex, so they appreciate that we're experienced and a calming presence in their often chaotic worlds! Let's work together to manage your restaurant risks effectively. You're the expert in running a successful food service establishment. We're the experts in insurance for restaurants. With the protection offered in our comprehensive policy, you can stay focused on creating exceptional dining experiences that bring customers back again and again. If you have questions about restaurant insurance and the many advantages of a THREE policy, don't hesitate to reach out. Our friendly and knowledgeable small business advisors are here for you! About THREE Business Insurance Our promise: one policy, comprehensive coverage, and a fair price. It sounds simple because it is. THREE is here to serve you and your business, with no middleman and as your business's only insurer, we'll protect you from loss, guide you through crisis, and be here when you need us. Media Contact:Dave Stanard | 1-800-507-4495
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Virginia Workers' Comp Lawyer Offers Free Consultations to Help Injured Employees Navigate Claims
Richmond, VA - Navigating a workers' compensation claim in Virginia can be complex, stressful, and time-sensitive — especially when you're injured, out of work, and facing growing medical bills. That's why Corey Pollard, a leading Virginia workers' compensation attorney and founder of is now offering free consultations to help injured workers understand their rights and maximize their benefits. With over a decade of experience representing injured workers across Virginia, Corey Pollard has built a reputation for fighting tirelessly to secure compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term disability benefits. Whether clients are dealing with a denied claim, pressure to return to work early, or settlement negotiations, Pollard and his team provide hands-on guidance every step of the way. 'Too many workers in Virginia don't realize what they're entitled to,' said Pollard. 'Insurance companies often push back, delay, or underpay claims — and without proper legal support, workers can be left without the benefits they need to recover and provide for their families. We offer free consultations so workers can make informed decisions before signing anything or giving up their rights.' The free consultations are available to injured employees in various industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and others. Pollard also provides support with appeals, vocational rehabilitation disputes, permanent partial disability ratings, and settlement offers. To learn more about our Virginia workers' compensation services, be sure to visit: Virginia Workers Compensation Attorney Corey Pollard Common services include: Pollard's firm has helped hundreds of Virginians recover benefits after suffering from back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, repetitive stress injuries, and more. About Corey Pollard Corey Pollard is an experienced workers' compensation and personal injury lawyer serving clients across Virginia, including Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia. Super Lawyers have recognized him, the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and for his commitment to client success. Media Contact Company Name: Corey Pollard Law Contact Person: Corey Pollard Email: Send Email Phone: 804-788-0184 Address: 10800 Midlothian Tpke Suite 242 City: Richmond State: Virginia Country: United States Website:
National Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
CUPE: WSIB CEO Misled Minister and Public, Leaked Internal Memo Shows
Article content TORONTO — The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) is renewing its call for accountability at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), after revelations the union first brought forward, a growing claims backlog and costly shortcuts, which continue to be downplayed and denied by WSIB leadership. Despite internal evidence to the contrary, WSIB leadership from the CEO on down assured the public and the government that the WSIB was 'keeping up,' while the Minister of Labour repeated those false claims in the Legislature. Article content 'For weeks, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's CEO has been telling Ontario that everything is fine, that there's no backlog and no risk. Now we know that was a lie,' said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. 'We have a leaked internal memo from WSIB management that proves the opposite: the backlog is growing, and the system is on fire.' Article content The internal memo, sent to WSIB staff over the weekend, confirms the agency is taking shortcuts by automatically approving nearly all physical injury claims, even those with delayed reporting, pre-existing conditions, or active employer objections. WSIB admits in the memo that these shortcuts 'increased risk' and are only in place to work through the mounting backlog. Article content What's worse, the union says, is that Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario, David Piccini repeated the CEO's false reassurances in Question Period, telling MPPs and the public that the WSIB was 'keeping up' when the opposite was true. Article content 'If a regular Ontarian lied to their boss, there would be consequences. But somehow Jeffrey Lang, the CEO of the WSIB, thinks he can mislead his boss, mislead the public, and walk away unscathed. That's unacceptable,' said Goslin. 'You don't get to play by a different set of rules just because you're at the top.' Article content The lockout of 3,600 frontline WSIB workers began on May 21. Union members are calling for a fair deal that protects public service standards and ensures injured workers get the support they deserve without delay or deception. Article content 'It's time for the CEO to answer for this. It's time for the government to stop covering for WSIB leadership,' said Goslin. 'This lockout needs to end. Workers are ready to get back to work and fix the damage that's been done.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
CBC
11-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
Workers' compensation costs for City of Winnipeg employees doubled over last 5 years
Workers' compensation costs for emergency responders and bus drivers with the City of Winnipeg have soared in recent years, with more than half of claims made last year related to psychological stress. Over the last five years, workers' compensation costs for the city have more than doubled from $11.8 million in 2020 to $25.5 million in 2024. That year, those costs rose by $6.1 million — a 31 per cent jump, according to a new report to be presented at the executive policy committee meeting next Tuesday. "What the Workers Compensation Board claims really reflect is the health of our city staff," Mayor Scott Gillingham told reporters at an unrelated media event on Wednesday. The city is working with the compensation board, Winnipeg Transit and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to bring down those costs, he said. "There has to be this balance between making sure we're doing all we can to get our city staff healthy, rehabilitated where possible, and back into the workforce as quickly as possible," Gillingham said. The same report noted there were 914 accepted time-loss claims in 2024, an increase of four per cent, while psychological injury claims rose 14 per cent, accounting for 54 per cent of all time lost. Fire-paramedics and Winnipeg Transit drivers made up the bulk of that increase. Union leaders representing City of Winnipeg workers called the compensation numbers concerning but unsurprising. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union conducted a survey of 205 paramedics and dispatchers from April 2 to 9. If found 93 per cent had experienced violence on the job, and 71 per cent have considered leaving their job in the last year. The head of the Winnipeg Transit union says it conducted an assessment in December and found 44 drivers were off for mental health injuries. "And those 44 people alone … resulted in the city losing over 19,000 days of work productivity, and that I think has raised an alarm bell with the city," said Chris Scott, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505. United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Nick Kasper says staffing ratios haven't kept up with the demand for service. From 2019 to 2023, structure fires increased by 87 per cent, medical calls went up 23 per cent, and vacant structure fires rose by 244 per cent, Kasper said. "Simply put, our population has grown, our call volume has skyrocketed," he said. "The men and women that are riding our fire trucks are being exposed to unsustainable volumes of calls during their shift." Public works committee chair Coun. Janice Lukes says the nature of the jobs has changed. "It's just a really strange world out there right now," she said, adding that the change is related to drugs and drug-related psychosis. A report on reducing workers' compensation costs is expected to be delivered to council later this year. Replenishing rainy day fund Workers' compensation claims have been blamed for draining the city's fiscal stabilization fund, also known as the rainy day fund, in recent years. In a new report, also on the agenda for the executive policy committee meeting next week, the city says it has found money to begin replenishing it, thanks to operational surpluses of $5.4 million from Winnipeg Transit, $1.8 million from animal services, and $3.7 million in leftover capital funding from the provincial government for the Southwest Rapid Transitway and Pembina Highway underpass payment reserve. The city now expects to have $36.4 million in the fund by the end of the year, nearly double the $18.6 the city had expected earlier this year. Although Gillingham says the city is still well below the target balance of $85.1 million in the fiscal stabilization reserve, the added funds "moves us significantly in the right direction." Compensation costs for City of Winnipeg workers more than doubled in last 5 years 1 hour ago Duration 1:44 Fire-paramedics and bus drivers are among the City of Winnipeg workers who experience some of the highest rates of workplace injuries. The cost of those claims is weighing heavily on the city's finances, according to a new city report.
