INJURED WORKER SURVEY RESULTS

Preliminary results of our first 300 returned surveys from injured workers …..

The results from our  first 300 of injured workers surveys have been compiled.The survey and subsequent interviews revealed a number of interesting and important findings that warrant serious consideration by the OFarrell government as they begin the make the workers comp system even ‘meaner”.

The survey covered injured workers from a range of sectors including transport,warehousing and logistics,education,health,construction and the public service.

 

A comparision between pre and post injury earnings showed a s substantial drop in earnings

71% thier partner had to increase/take up  work in order to cope financially

37% had claims that were currently in dispute

59% of injured workers  reported having contemplated suicide as a result of thier injury

 55% said thier relationships had suffered significantly

34% said they were now separated or divorced

23% had been forced to change thier living arrangements

16% were reliant on welfare and charity for assistance with everyday living expenses

 65% reported thier health was ‘much worse’ off than before their  work related injury or illness

 

Any new reforms must:
• SIMPLIFY the claims management processes and force insurers to deal with
workers in a humane and respectful way.
• MAINTAIN the ability to make a journey claim for those injured on the way to
and from work
• MAINTAIN payments and treatment for those still ill or injured –way beyond 2
years suggested in the Issues Paper
• FORCE employers to genuinely attempt to return the injured to work
• ENSURE lump sum payments are available to injured workers
• ENSURE step downs in payments do not form part of the reforms as this will
lead to further losses of peoples homes and families
Make sure injured workers are not worse off!!