Back to the May 2023 News Update 

This week we launched a new national education and communication campaign about workers’ compensation stigma and how to take action to reduce it. 

Workers’ compensation stigma occurs when there is discrimination or stereotyping against a worker seeking workers’ compensation. This can prevent injured or ill workers from making a workers’ compensation claim or impact their recovery. ABS data indicate that in 2021-22, more than 25,000 workers who experienced a work-related injury did not apply for workers’ compensation because they thought it would have a negative impact on their current or future employment.

“We commissioned research under the National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030 which found that one of the most important factors contributing to a worker’s recovery and safe return to work after an injury or illness is whether they have a supportive and inclusive work environment, free from stigma around workers’ compensation.”

– Corey Grandin, Director Workers’ Compensation Policy

This campaign’s key message for audiences is that supporting injured or ill workers to get back to work safely benefits everyone – the injured or ill worker, their team, and the broader organisation. We can all play a part in reducing workers’ compensation stigma.

The campaign includes new resources to help empower employers, supervisors and workers to reduce workers’ compensation stigma, including fact sheets, case studies and posters with practical advice and information.

You can find out more about the campaign and download the resources by going to: swa.gov.au/workerscompensationstigma