This report describes the results of a survey of essential workers, undertaken to understand the impact of the New South Wales (NSW) State Government’s proposed changes to the workers compensation system. 

More than 10,000 essential workers – including teachers, disability workers, firefighters, health services workers and emergency services personnel – responded to the survey. The results and accompanying testimonies show workers oppose the proposed changes, with many indicating they would be put at risk of further harm or would face financial hardship if they were passed.

The report outlines a proposed alternative to the government’s changes. This five-point plan charts a path to financial sustainability while focusing on prevention, improving return-to-work rates, reducing waste and creating sustainable funding models without reducing benefits to injured workers.

Key findings

• The majority of respondents said the proposed measures would force injured workers to return to work before it is safe and prevent workers from taking action in response to bullying and sexual harassment.
• Psychosocial hazards are common within the workplaces of frontline essential workers.
• Workers with psychological injuries who are cut off from support will be put at risk of significant further harm to their health.
• Seriously injured workers cut off from support will suffer financial hardship including homelessness.
• There are steps the NSW Government can take to reduce workplace psychosocial hazards, such as employing additional staff, improving pay and conditions and allowing unions to ask the Industrial Relations Commission to help fix issues.