The Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA) National Conference, “Sunny Side Up,” will address the rising incidence of mental health injury claims in the workplace and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance sectors.
The association noted that insurers are adopting innovative strategies to rehabilitate claimants and expedite their return to work and daily life.
Kylie Horton, executive manager Queensland CTP claims at Suncorp Group, and Janine Reid, chief legal officer at WorkCover Queensland, will discuss the increase in psychiatric injuries at the Gold Coast event in September.
Reid and Horton attribute the surge in claims partly to a decrease in the stigma associated with mental health injuries. The expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has improved access to treatment for those in remote areas, likely increasing awareness and willingness to report mental health conditions.
According to Reid, WorkCover is focusing on early identification of at-risk individuals to provide support and prevent claims from escalating in cost and duration.
The statutory insurer is piloting a psychosocial screening tool for injured workers at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This survey includes questions that help claims handlers identify issues affecting recovery, such as sleep hygiene. WorkCover can then connect claimants with appropriate external support services.
The pilot program is expected to expand as Reid notes it can reduce claim durations, making it a “wise investment.”
Horton said that over 30% of Suncorp’s CTP claims now involve psychiatric injuries.
A key challenge is distinguishing accident-related psychological symptoms from pre-existing conditions, which are not covered under Queensland’s CTP legislation. Despite this, Horton said Suncorp aims to restore claimants to their pre-accident condition as closely as possible.
Horton and Reid said a shortage of service providers remains a significant issue, with long waiting times exacerbating psychiatric injuries. Many health practitioners are now offering mental health services.
Horton said that early intervention from physiotherapists qualified to provide mental wellbeing advice, such as anxiety management, can improve outcomes. The national shortage of psychiatrists necessitates a flexible, multi-faceted approach, including involving mental health-qualified social workers.
Both leaders agreed that not all workplaces support employees returning after psychiatric injuries. They aim to educate employers to improve return-to-work (RTW) success rates.
Their presentation at the 2024 AILA Conference will explore these challenges and potential solutions.
The event, held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach, will feature various speakers discussing topics shaping the future of the insurance market and industry responses, including:
AILA national president Melanie Quixley said the theme “Sunny Side Up” will encourage speakers to explore how insurance can positively influence the community, climate, and lifestyle.
