Summary

5.1 This chapter makes a range of recommendations for reform with respect to work health and safety and workers’ compensation aimed at removing barriers to workforce participation for mature age workers. The first part of the chapter examines work health and safety; the second, workers’ compensation.

5.2 With respect to work health and safety, the ALRC recommends that Safe Work Australia, in implementing the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022 and in its other activities and research, should consider and recognise health and safety issues that may affect mature age workers. Safe Work Australia should also review guidance material and promote recognition of best practice approaches to work health and safety involving mature age workers.

5.3 In the second part of the chapter the ALRC recommends amendments to Commonwealth workers’ compensation legislation to align retirement provisions with the qualifying age for the Age Pension and the extension of incapacity payment periods. The second part also discusses the inconsistent coverage of volunteers under workers’ compensation and the ALRC recommends that Safe Work Australia consider this issue. Finally, the ALRC recommends that the superannuation offset provisions under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth) be repealed.