Social Security Experience Panels: Employment Injury Assistance

Feedback about the process overall

Respondents were asked how much they agreed or disagreed that the current Industrial Injuries Scheme treats people with dignity, fairness and respect. Answers were mixed. About the same number of respondents said they agreed compared to disagreed. Around the same number said they neither agreed nor disagreed.

Respondents also provided overall feedback about the process.

One respondent said the process had been straightforward and quick. One said they were happy to receive the benefit especially given how hard it had been for someone with a disability to find work.

Quote from panel member:

“Filling in the form was quite straightforward and the medical assessment was carried out shortly afterwards. The [benefit] was then awarded quite quickly.”

One respondent said they had “persevered” through the process.

Two respondents said that “nothing” had gone well in the process. One respondent said they experienced difficulties about the timing of their injury. They were asked to give a specific date when their injury happened but weren’t able to do this as their condition had worsened over time.

Respondents said what could be improved about the overall process.

One respondent said the process should treat people with kindness.

One participant said it was important that medical assessments are carried out by qualified staff who understand the impacts of injuries on a client.

Quote from panel member:

“Employing suitably qualified medical assessors, with at least over 5 years specialist hospital-based experience would be a good start to understanding the nature and presentation of permanent disability, especially spinal injury and chronic pain.”

One respondent said employers should have more responsibility for injuries caused through work.

The respondent also said it should be clearer how different benefits for people with disabilities interact with each other and why there are different benefits for people with needs resulting from an industrial injury compared to other health conditions or disabilities.

The respondent said that it is important that the rules for benefits took into account that different groups may experience more or less injuries as a result from work, in particular, differences between men and women.

Quote from panel member:

“Now, I accept that some of these benefits are in a sense restorative […] But what are benefits for, and how did we reach a situation where some people with very severe needs are receiving far less support than others? […] Men are far more likely to get…Industrial Injury benefits than women, yet women often suffer from long term disabilities and might have identical care and support needs. So, it is sexist and discriminatory: and I am saying this as a man.”

One respondent said there should be more information about industrial injuries benefits.

Quote from panel member:

“No one tells you about these benefits, I found out by chance after talking to someone regarding my injury at work.”