23Specific functions

23 Specific functions

23 Specific functions

(cf 1989 s 13)

(1) The Authority has, in particular, the following functions—

(a) to initiate and encourage research to identify efficient and effective strategies for the prevention and management of work injury and for the rehabilitation of injured workers,

(b) to ensure the availability of high quality education and training in such prevention, management and rehabilitation,

(c) to develop equitable and effective programs to identify areas of unnecessarily high costs in or for schemes to which the workers compensation legislation relates,

(d) to foster a co-operative relationship between management and labour in relation to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work,

(e) (Repealed)

(f) to identify (and facilitate or promote the development of programs that minimise or remove) disincentives for injured workers to return to work or for employers to employ injured workers, or both,

(g) to assist in the provision of measures to deter and detect fraudulent workers compensation claims,

(h) to develop programs to meet the special needs of target groups, including—

• workers who suffer severe injuries

• injured workers who are unable to return to their pre-injury occupation

• injured workers who are unemployed

• persons who live in remote areas

• women

• persons of non-English speaking background

• persons who have a disability,

(i) to facilitate and promote the establishment and operation of return-to-work programs,

(j) to investigate workplace accidents,

(j1) to enter into arrangements with SafeWork NSW for or in connection with the enforcement of the work health and safety legislation,

(k) to develop policies for injury management, worker rehabilitation, and assistance to injured workers,