Victoria Rates Highly in National Workplace Safety Report

The first report comparing Australian workers' compensation schemes was released on December 16 by the Federal Employment Minister, Mr. Reith.

The Minister for Finance and Minister responsible for WorkCover, Mr. Hallam, said the report, which standardised industry data from all States for the first time, highlighted the positive effects of Victorian Government policy and strategies developed by WorkCover.

Findings of the report include:

• Victoria has the lowest rate of injury for any mainland State on a standardised basis at 14.9 injuries per thousand employees, with only Tasmania lower at 14.0 injuries. This compares with the national average of 19.0 injuries per thousand employees, 23.4 for New South Wales, 20.9 for South Australia and 20.6 for Western Australia.

• Victoria’s return-to-work rate has improved by more than 30 per cent since WorkCover was introduced in 1992.

• Workers' compensation costs as a percentage of total labour costs fell by 19 per cent in Victoria between 1993-94 and 1996-97 while the national average increased by 11 per cent.

• Victorian workers continue to receive among the highest benefits in Australia while average injury costs per worker have been reduced from $740 in 1993-94 to $603 in 1996-97 compared with a national average of $719.