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Do you want to encourage more patrons through the doors of your business?

We can help you come up with fun and engaging ways to attract more patrons into your premises through prize promotion.

By engaging in prize indemnity insurance, this gives you the ability to offer special contests and promotions with attractive prizes like cars, holidays, and even cash, while transferring the risk of the prize to an insurer.

Some of the benefits include…

• Increase sales
• Generate revenue
• Customer rewards/loyalty
• A way to drive membership
• Fundraising

Some examples of when to run a promotion…

• Sporting related events eg. State of Origin, Australian Open
• Mothers Day
• Easter
• Christmas
• Father’s Day
• Australia Day

Case Study – City Tattersalls Club – 125 Reasons

City Tattersalls Club gave their customers the chance to win a major prize of $125k, $50k or $12.5k.

The Results

Wednesday’s

In comparison to the Wednesday average turnover for the 16 weeks prior to the promotion, the promotional period recorded an increase of 24.7%.

Friday’s

In comparison to the Friday average turnover for the 16 weeks prior to the promotion, the promotional period recorded an increase of 56.87%.

Contact us to find out more about this and how we can help you come up with fun and engaging ways to attract more patrons through your doors – (02) 9587 3500 or theteam@wsib.com.au

NSW Workers Compensation insurer (icare) has advised an expected premium increase of 2.9% at a Scheme level for 2021-2022, and a further 2.9% increase for 2022-2023. For employers within the Loss Prevention & Recovery (LPR) scheme, it is anticipated that there will be a 5% increase to the adjustment rates for 2021-2022, and that the ESI will remain and at 7.5%.

Please see icare’s media release with further information below:
https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/news-and-stories/workers-compensation-premiums-adjust-to-future-risks

Please note that whilst this has only been proposed to the Insurance Regulator (SIRA), we expect that it will be approved and if so, may result in a premium increase to you. We will keep you informed of developments however should you have any immediate concerns please do not hesitate to contact your account manager or the office on (02) 9587 3500, or email us at theteam@wsib.com.au

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.

You may have seen in the press recently the decision handed down in the NSW Court of Appeal in a test case run by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), with the court ruling in favour of the insureds.

It found that the quarantine disease cover restriction in business interruption policies that referred to the now repealed Quarantine Act, does not exclude cover for listed human diseases under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Will there be an appeal?
It’s possible this decision may be appealed to the High Court of Australia (HCA); and a decision in this regard must be made by 16 December 2020. Also, the ICA has taken steps to obtain clarity on whether the coverage triggers in business interruption policies are satisfied in the circumstances of COVID-19. So further legal action might eventuate.

Determinations on claims will only be made once the legal process is finalised.

What do you need to do?
There have been a number of legal services offering to review decisions, however, may we respectfully suggest that before you move in this direction, we are able to advise on the cover placed and if the policy is triggered as part of our service. If there were to be any issues that require legal advice, we will discuss those with you so that you may consider your options at that time.

If you have already submitted a claim under your Business Interruption policy, we will continue to monitor developments and work with your insurer on your claim.

Also, the decision only dealt with whether the insurer could rely on an exclusion which referred to the Quarantine Act. The court did not deal with whether any claim falls within the insuring clause.

We will provide another update as the insurer’s decision whether to Appeal to the HCA is decided.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with your Account manager on (02) 9587 3500 to discuss your specific situation.

Technology touches everything we do, and even more so in recent times. Our dependence on the internet, and the exponential growth of web-enabled devices and social media, has resulted in people being much more interconnected. And that has introduced new risks into our homes and everyday lives that must be managed.

So, what is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime involves the use of computers or other digital devices to perpetrate an offence. It includes:

• Identity theft
• Online scams
• Cyberbullying
• Financial fraud

We rely on insurance to protect us with everyday risks such as fires or floods, and now it is likely that some may be susceptible to falling victim to Cybercrime as well. This highlights the need for families and individuals to have cyber protection in place.

What is Personal Cyber Protection Insurance?

Personal Cyber Insurance is about more than the bits and bytes in your laptop, tablets and smart devices. It covers you, your family, your identity, your reputation, your money and your time (wage replacement) when a cyber event occurs. Key features of Personal Cyber Insurance includes cover for the impacts of cyber events and cybercrimes such as:

• Hacking
• Malware
• Viruses
• Cyber espionage
• Denial of service attacks
• Cyber theft
• Identity theft & more

Some policies can also respond to anti-social behaviour such as: cyberbullying, cyberstalking and cyber harassment.

If you would like anymore information or a quote on Personal Cyber Insurance, please do not hesitate to contact your Account Manager on 9587 3500.

The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Review) Act 2020 recently passed by the NSW Parliament has enacted the following key changes to NSW WHS laws:

• Enhancement of the Category 1 offence by including “gross negligence” as a fault element – To make it easier to prosecute and create a stronger incentive for duty holders to manage WHS risks.
• Prohibition of insurance and indemnity arrangements – To ensure people cannot avoid responsibility for paying WHS fines.
• Increased penalty amounts for all WHS offences in line with the Consumer Price Index – To ensure penalties retain their deterrent value.
• Extension of time in which a person can ask the WHS regulators to start a prosecution in response to a Category 1 or Category 2 offence from 12 to 18 months and addition of a requirement that the WHS regulator provide updates every three months to the requester until a decision to prosecute is made – To ensure that during investigations of workplace accidents, families are kept informed and have access to an effective review mechanism for decisions not to prosecute.
• Clarification that a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) can choose their course of training – To avoid unnecessary delays which can affect an HSR’s ability to fulfil their role and exercise their powers.

These changes, which came into effect 10 June 2020, will assist in improving compliance and enforcement measures for the NSW WHS Regulators, to make the lives of workers and business owners healthier, safer and more productive.

Read the Act.

Article Source – Safe Work NSW

Overall Summary

The main impacts of the new legislation are as follows:

• Increases the penalties applicable: