Work health and safety management

The ACCC and AER have continued to enhance policies, guidelines and practices to meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) (WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth).

Work health and safety activities have been included in the wellbeing holistic measures identified in Part 4 - Management and accountability of this report.

Comcare premiums

The ACCC’s Comcare premium for 2019−20 was 0.25 per cent of payroll. This rate is well below the rate for the whole scheme, which was 0.85 per cent.

Compensation claims

There were three new compensation claims lodged with Comcare from the ACCC and AER during 2019–20. The ACCC and AER had five open compensation claims at the end of 2019−20.

Non-compensable cases

The ACCC and AER support employees suffering from non-compensable physical and psychological injuries or illnesses to maintain or resume attendance at work. During 2019−20 early intervention assistance and psychological support was provided to 18 employees.

Incident statistics

There were 24 reports of incidents of an injury or a ‘near miss’ involving employees in 2019−20. There were no notifiable incidents during the year.

Investigations, directions and notices

The ACCC received no notices under the WHS Act and did not conduct any investigations during 2019−20.

Rehabilitation Management System Audit

The ACCC’s and AER’s Rehabilitation Management System (RMS) achieved 100 per cent compliance in audits conducted in 2017 and 2018. The next external RMS audit was originally scheduled for mid-2020. However, due to re-prioritisation of work and unavailability of the auditor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been rescheduled for 2020–21. This is within the timeframe recommended by the auditor in 2018.