Printing Industries wants industry feedback on workers compensation costs as it prepares to put a new case to the NSW Government to allow a specialised insurance scheme for the printing industry.
The association believes such a scheme could result in significant premium savings to members in this very high cost area of business operations.
Printing Industries National Manager Employee Relations, OH&S and Legal, Charles Watson, said the Association had received an undertaking from the previous NSW Opposition supporting the concept; it was now time to make it happen.
“We recently had to advise our members of potential increases in workers compensation target premium increases for the 2011-2012 financial year from 1.66 per cent to 1.68 per cent. Such increases are calculated on the size of a business’ annual payroll and the costs of claims in a particular industry,” he said.
“WorkCover said the increases are necessary to cover ongoing costs associated with payments for claims.
“A specialised scheme for our industry would facilitate better OHS systems, specific industry injury management assistance and improved return to work outcomes resulting in lower claims and subsequent reductions in premiums – all of which would be based on our industry’s performance and not affected by the workers compensation performance of other employment sectors.”
Mr Watson said Printing Industries had in 2008 attempted to set up a specialised scheme.
“While Printing Industries was in the process of applying for prudential licensing and WorkCover approval for such a scheme, the previous Labor Government shocked the industry by inexplicably legislating to prohibit the entry of any new specialised insurers into the state workers compensation system.
“Not to be dissuaded, we have been lobbying to have the prohibition reversed and have been encouraged by commitments made by the new Liberal State Government.
“We are now building a portfolio of industry feedback on all related matters including increases to premiums, changes in premium formula calculation and industry classification to reinforce our argument in favour of a specialist scheme.
“We call on all industry companies to give us feedback that can assist in shaping the model for such a scheme in NSW,” he said.
Feedback can be sent to charles@printnet.com.au
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
