NSW Safety Forum In Parramatta Highlights Worker Health And Injury Prevention
Nearly 300 businesses gathered in Parramatta for a workplace safety forum hosted by the New South Wales Government, focusing on injury prevention, workers’ compensation reforms and worker health. The event brought together regulators, insurers and support services to help employers better understand risk management and recovery support. According to the official ministerial release, the forum also featured free lung health screenings through a mobile clinic designed to detect occupational dust diseases at an early stage.
The iCare Business Community Forum at CommBank Stadium included participation from icare’s Mobile Engagement Team, the Dust Disease Care Mobile Clinic, the Workers Compensation team, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and SafeWork NSW. Together, these agencies provided guidance to local businesses on injury prevention, early intervention strategies and workplace mental health recovery support.
The initiative responds to the significant cost of workplace injury in the region. The gross incurred workers’ compensation cost in Parramatta is estimated at S$302 million per year, highlighting the importance of prevention and effective return-to-work programmes.
Workers’ Compensation Reform And Employer Support
The forum follows major reforms to the state’s workers’ compensation system recently passed by the Minns Labor Government. The reforms aim to prioritise prevention while improving return-to-work outcomes for injured workers.
Under the new measures, the average premium rate for small businesses will be frozen from July, preventing what would otherwise have been a 36% increase in workers’ compensation premiums. The reforms also strengthen employer defences so that reasonable management actions do not lead to compensation claims.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis highlighted the importance of supporting employers while improving workplace safety outcomes.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year. “With 200,000 workers employed by local businesses in the Parramatta region, this forum is about ensuring businesses have the information and resources they need to prevent injuries in the workplace and support workers navigating the workers compensation system. “Helping local employers keep their workers safe, support recovery, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of each day isn’t just good for health – it saves businesses money.” — Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety
Mobile Lung Clinic Supports Early Detection
A central feature of the event was icare’s S$2.5 million Lung Health Mobile Clinic, commonly known as the “Lung Bus”. The clinic provides free lung screening checks to help detect dust-related diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma at an early stage.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing and mining. The mobile clinic allows screening services to reach workers and businesses directly in local communities.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis emphasised the importance of accessible support for local enterprises.
“Small Businesses are the backbone of Parramatta. They are often run by local families and employ locals too. “They need support and advice and events like this highlight the Minns Labor government to supporting local businesses to keep their workers safe. “It’s great to have the Lung Bus arrive here in Parramatta. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.” — Donna Davis, Member for Parramatta
Guidance For Businesses On Risk And Premiums
During the forum, icare representatives explained how workplace risk factors and claims history influence insurance premiums. Businesses with strong safety records may qualify for discounts and incentives under the risk-based premium system.
“We want to help local business owners understand the impact their unique claims history and other risk factors have on the premium they pay, and that there are savings and incentives that are often available to them. “The calculations behind icare’s premiums are risk-based, and businesses with strong safety performance are usually rewarded with discounted premiums. Our talk is packed with top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster.” — David Huxley, Manager Mobile Engagement Team, icare
Events such as the Parramatta forum form part of broader state efforts to strengthen workplace safety while supporting innovation and economic resilience across New South Wales. These initiatives sit alongside wider programmes aimed at strengthening industry capability and technology development, including efforts to accelerate technology commercialisation in New South Wales and other innovation initiatives supporting the state’s economic growth.
