Comcare has published a report on its scheme performance data updated to March 2021 which finds physical injury to be the prime cause of compensation claims.
The report found that body stressing was the significant component of physical injury accounting for 42.7 per cent of all claims, and was the most frequent cause of compensation claims, as it had been for the past four years.
“In the same period, nearly half (42.6 per cent) of accepted claims relating to body stressing affected the shoulder (21.4 per cent) or lower back (21.2 per cent),” the report said.
“Claims due to physical injury account for 61.2 per cent of all claims accepted followed by disease (30.4 per cent) and psychological (8.3 per cent) injury claims.”
It noted that in the past four financial years, the proportion of accepted claims relating to physical injury increased by 4.5 per cent (from 56.7 per cent in 2017-18 to 60.2 per cent in 2020-21).
“In the same period, disease–related claims reduced by 4.3 per cent (from 34.7 per cent in 2017-18 to 30.4 per cent in 2020-21 and claims due to psychological injury remained statistically steady (in fact a 0.4 per cent reduction).”
Comcare said its scheme performance data was updated yearly and quarterly to help drive continuous improvement across the Comcare Scheme.
“This data reflects scheme performance to 31 March 2021,” Comcare said.
“It provides valuable insights that inform and support decision-making around workplace health and safety programs and initiatives,” it said.
