Breaking the workers’ compensation stigma

Workers’ compensation is essential for providing safety and security for injured or sick employees. However, there is oftentimes a stigma attached to those who take advantage of these benefits.

To help mitigate these attitudes, Safe Work Australia has launched the workers’ compensation stigma campaign. This initiative aims to spread awareness of the issue and provide resources for employers to help reduce stigma.

“Workers’ compensation provides an important safety net to support people who become ill or injured because of work. It provides financial support and other assistance so workers can focus on getting back to work safely,” said Safe Work Australia chief executive Michelle Baxter.

“One of the most important factors contributing to a worker’s recovery and safe return to work is whether they have a supportive and inclusive work environment.”

She continued: “This campaign will build awareness of workers’ compensation stigma and provide practical resources to help employers, supervisors and workers to understand what they can do to reduce it. Everyone can play a role to create a workplace where injured or ill workers are supported and protected from experiencing workers’ compensation stigma.”

Workers’ compensation stigma is when an employer or colleagues discriminates against those who are injured or sick that are seeking compensation.

Safe Work Australia said that these issues could affect the compensation process, as they can hinder an employee’s willingness to disclose any injuries or illnesses. This can have serious consequences and may affect the recovery of an unwell worker.

Safe Work Australia chair Joanne Farrell said workers’ compensation is essential: “Supporting ill or injured workers to get back to work safely benefits everyone — the worker, their team and the broader organisation.

“By understanding what workers’ compensation stigma is, where it can occur, and how to identify it, we can take action to reduce it.”

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.