Claims for psychological injury at work surge in NSW at triple the rate of physical harm

Psychological injury claims jumped 30% in the four years to mid-2023, according to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority. Photograph: Peopleimages/Getty Images

Claims for psychological injury at work are increasing at a rate far outstripping physical injury claims in New South Wales, prompting a warning from the state’s safety watchdog for businesses to expect compliance checks and prosecution if practices don’t improve.

Physical injury claims rose 11% over the four years to mid-2023, while claims of psychological damage jumped 30% over the same period, according to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority.