MINUTES
RETAIL INDUSTRY REFERENCE GROUP
DATE
Wednesday 5 November 2003
TIME
9.30 AM – 12.30 AM
LOCATION
WorkCover Boardroom
Elizabeth St
Sydney 2000
PRESENT
Ann Taylor
Deborah Salkeld
Dennis Goodwin
Greg Hatton
Susanne Hollis
Suzanne Jones
Tara McCarthy
Corrina Sprogis
ARA
Woolworths
WorkCover (Convenor)
Motor Traders Association NSW
WorkCover (Minutes)
WorkCover (WIMB)
WorkCover (RWTS Team)
Woolworths
APOLOGIES
Imelda Todd
David Jones
Arthur Valet
MFMA
Steve O’Brien
IGA
Ken McKell
AMIC
Julie Mitchell
Allianz
The meeting commenced at 9.45am
1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES
Convenor welcomed members and noted apologies.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Convenor noted that Ann Taylor was an apology for the meeting of 17 th
September. Given this amendment, the minutes of the meeting were accepted
as an accurate record. However, due to the lack of a quorum, this will be
ratified at the next meeting.
2.1 Confirmation of the minutes of 17 September 2004
Moved
Deborah Salkeld
Seconded
Greg Hatton
2.2 Matters arising from the minutes
Convenor asked for any matters arising and pointed out that a number of action
items are dealt with in other agenda items
3. WORKCOVER REPORTS
3.1 OHS Division (Tara McCarthy)
Convenor: Denis Goodwin
Ph:
02 4321 5436
Mob:
0421611165
Email: denis.goodwin@workcover.nsw.gov.au
Tara tabled the Retail report for the last two months. The Convenor pointed out
that the reports had been printed as double sided copy as agreed at the last
meeting.
Tara noted the main points from the report. The numbers are similar to other
months. A supermarket robbery occurred at closing time and security
commenced two hours later. Other reports included
 Stacking issues- milk crates blocking access and customer hit by ladder
 Manager working excessive hours
 Renovations causing risk to the public
 Unlicensed bobcat operators
 Smoking in company vehicles
 Manual handling training
 Loud music in clothing stores
Tara reported that the Inspector recruitment is complete with 28 new
appointments- all current vacancies are full. The new recruits range in age from
23-55 with 16 males and 12 females. Six will join the RWTS team.
3.2 Insurance Division (S Jones)
Suzanne Jones provided the insurance division report.
OCTOBER 2003
1. Work Related Activity Programs – Discussion paper
WorkCover is seeking comments on draft guidance material on work related activity
programs for workers with musculoskeletal injuries (including multidisciplinary pain
management programs and programs currently known as work conditioning/functional
restoration).
This discussion paper is one of a total of four documents that will comprise the draft
guidance materials and, while aimed primarily at health care providers, also supplies
the technical and evidence based materials that support the proposed model.
The four documents will be:

summary document

health care provider document

insurer/employer document

injured worker pamphlet.
Comment is being sought on:

the practicality of the approach recommended

potential weaknesses/gaps in the model described

mechanisms which may be utilised to facilitate easy access by workers to the
programs as described.
A review of the evidence for improving return-to-work outcomes in workers with simple
musculoskeletal injuries indicates:

resuming normal activity at an early stage post injury prevents long-term
disability and improves return-to-work outcomes for injured workers with non-red flag
musculoskeletal injuries

best practice injury management for musculoskeletal injuries requires
screening for, and addressing of, psychosocial risk factors much earlier in the process

exercise and activity programs must be delivered in a cognitive behavioural
manner to achieve return-to-work outcomes

improvement of coordination and collaboration of all parties, via case
conferences and active case management, to improve access to suitable employment
will improve return-to-work outcomes.
Stakeholders are invited to review the paper and provide comments to WorkCover by
5.00pm Wednesday 15 October 2003. Further details are available from the website.
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2. Scheme Design Report
The Government released a major report into the NSW WorkCover Scheme on 8
September 2003. Partnerships for Recovery: Caring for injured workers and restoring
financial stability to workers compensation in NSW was prepared for the NSW
Government by McKinsey and Company.
WorkCover has conducted a number of external briefings since the release of the
report and the closing date for feedback is Friday 10 October 2003.
3. Wages Definition – changes to motor vehicle and accommodation
allowances
Changes to the definition of wages were gazetted on Friday 12 September 2003 in the
Insurance Premiums Order 2003-2004 Amendment (Wages) Order 2003. These
changes are retrospective to new or renewed policies from 4.00pm 30 June 2003 and
apply only to certain work related motor vehicle and accommodation allowances.
In particular, if the employer pays work related car allowances or expenses to a worker
and the payment is paid under an award at a rate specified by the award, the payment
is not counted as remuneration. Any payment greater than the award rate is counted
as remuneration. If the employer pays car allowances or expenses to the worker and
the payment is not paid under an award, any payment up to 53.5 cents per kilometre is
not counted as remuneration. If the payment is not under an award, any payment
greater than 53.5 cents per kilometre is counted as remuneration.
If the employer provides a worker with a work related travel allowance and the
payment is paid under an award at a rate specified by the award, the payment is not
counted as remuneration. Any payment greater than the award rate is counted as
remuneration. If the employer provides a worker with a travel allowance and the
payment is not paid under an award then any payment up to $130.00 per night is not
counted as remuneration. If the payment is not under an award then any payment
greater than $130.00 per night is counted as remuneration.
The Wages Definition Manual will be updated to include these changes.
4. Scheme Valuation
For the fourth successive period the NSW WorkCover Scheme has recorded its fourth
consecutive operating surplus. Independent actuary, PricewaterhouseCoopers found
the Scheme recorded a surplus from its insurance operations of $258 million for the six
months ending 30 June 2003.
The Scheme’s estimated deficit stands at $2,982 million. This is a $248 million
improvement on the $3,230 million valuation of December 2002. In June 2002, the
deficit stood at $2,801 million.
PricewaterhouseCoopers also estimates that the 2001 reforms have saved the
Scheme over $1,533 million – 94% of this is legal and investigation costs. The report
also states that payments made directly to injured workers have not been reduced as a
result of the reforms, but have increased by $47 million.
5. Recently published workers compensation and injury management
publications
All publications are available from the publications hotline 1300 799 003 or from
WorkCover’s website
October 2003 Benefits Guide – publication catalogue number 508.7
Premium Discount Scheme Benchmark Guidance Material - publication catalogue
number 1281
Premium Discount Scheme Audit Tool - publication catalogue number 1282
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Premium Discount Scheme Incentives for Employers brochure - publication catalogue
number 37
Suzanne noted that the small business presentations continue. There has been
a good response.
Action Denis to send out information about the program
Ann noted that only people who attend these seminars are invited to participate
in the consultation. Ann informed the group that as part of the Small Business
consultant strategy, participants are offered three hours OHS consultation
training free. Denis noted that this is being trialed here in NSW using the
Victorian model.
Action Denis to follow up with further information for members.
The GP education program continues.
Presentation: Prevention of Long Term Disability in Injured Workers with
Strains and Sprains using Work Related Activity Programs (S Jones)
Suzanne Jones of Workplace Injury Management Branch led a discussion on
WorkCover’s draft guidance material on work related activity programs for
workers with musculoskeletal injuries (including multi-disciplinary pain
management programs and programs currently known as ‘work conditioning/
functional restoration’).
Action Denis to send out copy of presentation.
Powerpoint presentation attached.
Suzanne outlined the Level 2 Effective Case Coordination training program
which is to assist RTW coordinators in managing difficult cases. The new case
studies are to be used as part of this new training program. Suzanne went
through each case study and gained the group’s feedback on appropriate
language and terminology for the Retail sector.
Ann and Deborah requested the VETAB module number for this program.
Action Suzanne to follow up.
Ann also suggested incorporating this new information from the presentation
into the initial training for RTW coordinators as this was the make or break time
for managing injuries.
Action Suzanne to follow up and take back comment to course developers.
The Convenor noted the request from the previous meeting for more
information on injury management and hoped today’s presentation would be
useful to members.
4. PROJECT & ACTIVITY REPORTS
4.1 Manual Handling
The convenor tabled manual handling resources provided to him by members
since the last meeting. The group briefly discussed the best way of progressing
a manual handling guide for the retail industry with particular emphasis on small
business. The issue will be progressed next year with the probable formation of
a working group.
Greg noted that he has developed a basic guideline on manual handling and a
series of workshops for members, stepping them through the guide. He would
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like to have someone analyse the work of panel beaters and spray painters (the
MTA’s greatest cost drivers) to identify hazardous processes, make
recommendations as to how to do it differently and develop safe work
procedures for the industry.
Ann notes that the UK HSE site has some useful material for his area of
interest. Greg to follow up.
4.2 Supermarket checkouts
Convenor advised that he had discussed the project out of session with Lincoln
Kinley and agreed to undertake further research into this matter. He noted the
need to look at the evidence regarding injuries and solutions and the need to
develop an approach based on this evidence. Deborah noted that the solution
depended on whether the employee was packing or not. Denis also informed
the group that he needed to talk to the inspectorate.
This will be progressed next year.
4.3 Motor vehicle project
No information provided.
4.4 Seafood
The Convenor informed the group that the seafood project report is now on the
WorkCover website, thus completing a commitment to the Retail and
Wholesale IRGs to disseminate the findings of the study as widely as possible.
Listing the project report on the web will address the numerous requests that
come in for the project recommendations re manual handling. The IRG
convenor will meet with the MFMA with a view to assisting/ advising them in
implementing the recommendations of the project.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
5.1 2004 Meeting Dates
Convenor tabled a proposed list of meeting dates for the next 12 months.
These are:
11th February
7th April
2nd June
28th July
15th September
10th November.
The group discussed meeting in Gosford and that this would impinge on
people’s time. Ann noted that she was very unhappy with meeting in Gosford.
It was agreed that the June meeting would be in Gosford.
5.2 Membership Review
Convenor indicated that the IRG would be conducted a review of IRG
membership and sough any feedback from members.
5.3 Group Feedback and Project suggestions
Convenor sought feedback and suggestions on the IRG workplans and projects
for the next 12 months. Convenor noted a number of Safety Summit projects
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outstanding and opened discussion to members on the group priorities for the
coming year.
5.4 WorkCover Assist Grants
Convenor advised that WorkCover is seeking applications for Assist grants and
tabled details of the timetable for such applications.
Greg informed the group that the MTA was seeking a WorkCover Assist grant
and wished to consult with the IRG to ensure there was no duplication and to
gain feedback prior to submitting the proposal.
Action Greg to forward to Denis.
5.5 Small Business Seminars
Convenor discussed the list of second round seminars in regional areas to be
conducted by WorkCover staff. Dates and times for meetings would appear in
newspaper advertisements and were also available on the Internet.
5.6 WorkCover Social Justice Policy
Convenor tabled copies of WorkCover’s Social Justice Policy noting the recent
launching of these plans by the CEO and explaining the need to provide
equitable access to WorkCover services to all members of the community.
6. GENERAL BUSINESS
The Convenor asked for any items of general business.
6.1 Manual handling
Ann commented that the group needed to think outside the square regarding
manual handling, that many approaches had been tried with limited success,
she suggested a trial of Pilates or similar exercise programs such as
Feldenkrais. The group noted the Move for Life program and Deborah agreed
to follow up and see if a presentation could be provided to the group next year.
6.2 WorkCover Website
Members discussed the new website format and indicated that they did not like
it, that it was difficult or impossible to find material on important topics such as
PDS and Single Notification and that it was harder to access, the search facility
did not work and that generally there were a lot of complaints about it.
Action Denis to pass feedback on
6.3 Bandsaw Project
Denis noted that the project was awaiting finalisation but that the last meeting
had been cancelled.
Action Denis to follow up on the status of this project and report back to the
next meeting.
6.4 Insurer representative
Susanne informed the group that Julie Mitchell was unable to continue her role
as insurance industry representative and that a replacement would be sought.
The group discussed how to best use the insurer representative on the IRG and
requested information on working with the WCC.
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7. NEXT MEETING
11 February 2004.
The convenor thanked members for the efforts during the previous 12 months
Susanne Hollis joined convenor as the convenor for most of this period
Susanne and Denis wished members a safe and happy festive season and look
forward to a productive year ahead.
Meeting concluded at 11.35am
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