Month: December 2020

Many of you will agree that since the introduction of the new claims model introduced by icare in January 2018, it has not delivered the desired outcomes or service delivery that had been intended. WSIB has worked extensively with icare and its representatives, in conjunction with industry bodies and professionals, to drive change and ease the financial burden and frustrations placed upon employers in NSW.

We are pleased to announce that icare have acknowledged the need for change and have committed to a $20 million investment program to deliver short and long term changes to the current claims model. In addition, icare has extended the contract to EML for a further 12 months with a view to tendering the contract and the possibility of increasing the number of agents to bring about better competition. A high level overview of the proposed changes are:-

• More streamlined decision rights including more empowerment to the scheme agent and a complete overhaul and possible removal of MSP
• Dedicated case managers (already applicable to WSIB)
• Lower case loads
• Continued and even greater consultation with key stakeholders including WSIB
• Contract extension of one year to EML
• Agent contract tender to be held early to mid 2021, with a view to additional agents being introduced.

We see the changes as a very positive step and will better allow us to drive improved performance, whilst easing the frustrations around decision rights and overall customer experience.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au should you have any questions.

Storms cause significant damage throughout Australian communities, each year. However, you can take action before, during and after a storm to reduce the impact on your home or business.

Before a Storm

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roofs and downpipes at your home or business. Check the roof for leaks and seal them to prevent water from flowing in. Move vehicles under cover when possible, and secure items outside that could be blown about by the wind or carried away in surging water.
• Keep yourself and your family or colleagues safe by ensuring that everyone is familiar with your evacuation plan and knows where first-aid and emergency kits are. Ensure that operational and other data is backed up, and ensure that stock and other key items can be moved if needed.
• Ensure you provide your Account Manager of any major changes that happen within your business so they can make sure that the sum for which you are insured covers the replacement value of the items that you wish to insure.

During a Storm

• Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency.
• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Unplug electrical items, especially computers.

After a Storm

• Do not use damaged electrical outlets. Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that they may be touching. Do not use damaged electrical outlets.
• Do not walk through or drive through flowing water or enter still water of unknown depth.
• Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Speak to our dedicated Claims Department or your Account Manager to lodge your claim.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au should you have any questions or need any further advice.

Despite Australia’s dry terrain that is often affected by drought, significant floods occur in parts of Australia each year. These floods can cause extensive damage to both homes and businesses. However, you can take action before, during and after a flood to reduce the impact on your home or business.

Before a Flood

• Work together with your Account Manager to evaluate your flood risk.
• Gather important and valuable items and documents that you can take with you should you need to evacuate the premises. Place them in waterproof bags. Put together an “Emergency Pack” – including tinned food, water, first-aid kit, warm clothing, and a torch – that can be kept on the premises.
• Keep yourself and your family or colleagues safe by ensuring that everyone is familiar with your evacuation plan and knows where first-aid and emergency kits are. Make sure that operational and other data is backed up, and that stock and other key items can be moved if needed.
• Ensure you provide your Account Manager of any major changes that happen within your business so they can make sure that the sum for which you are insured covers the replacement value of the items that you wish to insure.

During a Flood

• Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the flood, weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency.
• Switch off utilities: electricity, gas and water. Disconnect electrical appliances. Move electrical and key items to a higher place.
• If able to safely evacuate, gather important and valuable items and documents, and lock your premises as you leave.

After a Flood

• Return to your premises only when authorities indicate that it is safe. Avoid fallen power lines and damaged trees.
• Water can become contaminated after a flood. Do not drink water straight from a tap until authorities declare it safe. Until then, boil the water before drinking it. Do not enter floodwaters unless authorities say it is safe.
• Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Speak to our dedicated Claims Department or your Account Manager to lodge your claim.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au should you have any questions or need any further advice.

Every year, Australia’s high-risk cyclone areas can expect an average of two to three cyclones to cross the coast during the November-April cyclone season. Combining strong winds, heavy rain and flying debris, cyclones can be devastating. However, you can take action before, during and after a cyclone to reduce the impact on your home or business.

Before a Cyclone

• Secure the roof, walls and eaves of your premises. Trim tree branches around your premises. Clear away or secure items outside that could be blown about by the wind or carried away in surging water.
• Familiarise yourself and your family or colleagues with your cyclone emergency plan. Put together an “Emergency Pack” including tinned food, water, first-aid kit, warm clothing, and a torch. Be prepared for power, water and communication outages.
• Before a cyclone hits, move all vehicles under cover if possible. Secure all shutters, windows, doors, and any items left outdoors. Turn off gas and power supplies.
• Ensure you provide your Account Manager of any major changes that happen within your business so they can make sure that the sum for which you are insured covers the replacement value of the items that you wish to insure.

During a Cyclone

• Be aware of where the cyclone is expected to be heading. Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the cyclone, weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency.
• Remain in your home or business if the building meets appropriate cyclone regulations and is not in a storm surge/flood-prone area. If your building does not meet cyclone regulations, know where you and your family or colleagues can shelter safely.

After a Cyclone

• Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that may be touching them. Also avoid damaged buildings and trees, as well as creeks and rivers that are flooded.
• Continue to monitor your local media outlets for updates on the weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Don’t go outside until authorities advise that it is safe.
• Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Speak to our dedicated Claims Department or your Account Manager to lodge your claim.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au should you have any questions or need any further advice.

The intensity and course of a bushfire can change rapidly and threaten the safety of homes and businesses alike. However, you can take action before, during and after a bushfire to reduce the impact on your home or business.

Before a Bushfire

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roofs and downpipes at your premises. Fit quality metal leaf guards on gutters. Equip your premises with a sufficient
  number of fire extinguishers.
• Keep safe by making sure everyone is familiar with your evacuation plan and knows where first-aid and emergency kits are. Check that operational and other data
  is backed up, and that stock and other key items can be moved if needed.
• Ensure you provide your Account Manager of any major changes that happen within your business so they can make sure that the sum for which you are insured covers the replacement value of the items that you wish to insure.

During a Bushire

• Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the bushfire, weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency.
• Close all windows and doors. Wear protective clothing. Ensure that you and your family or colleagues drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• If you can, safely evacuate. Before you leave the premises turn off gas and power, close doors and windows, and plug gaps with wet towels.

After a Bushfire

• Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that they may be touching. Also avoid damaged gas lines.
• Check for small spot fires on your premises and extinguish them if possible. If there is any danger, contact 000 or your local SES.
• Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Speak to our dedicated Claims Department or your Account Manager
  to lodge your claim.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au should you have any questions or need any further advice.