Possible changes to Victorian workers' compensation and occupational health and safety regulations will have a direct impact on employers, the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce warned today.

VECCI General Manager - Workplace Relations, Mr David Gregory, said the possible changes were far-reaching and had the potential to increase the cost and complexity of running a business.

Mr Gregory was announcing a series of special briefings in the State's north to explain the latest developments in these areas and receive direct feedback from employers.

"Some especially dramatic changes have been proposed of late to laws and regulations governing occupational health and safety issues and it is vital for employers to be made aware of their implications," he said.

"For example, changes proposed by unions during the recent State Government review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act include greater power for union representatives to enter workplaces and increased legal obligations for employers - the Government's recent review of occupational health and safety legislation resulted in a 500 page report by independent QC, Chris Maxwell, which was handed down earlier this month and is now open for public comment over coming months.

"Alternatively, some of the proposals arising from the WorkCover premium review process may be of benefit to employers.

• Topics to be covered in the briefing include:
• staff potentially obtaining coverage on a wider range of medical conditions;
• the reduction in the threshold for access to lump sum payments for back injuries, which means more people will now qualify for these payments;
• new return-to-work legislation, which came into effect on 1 January 2004 and new, more onerous compliance procedures; and
• proposals arising from the new WorkCover premium review process, which comes into force from 1 July 2004.

"With these changes either introduced or being discussed, it is important for employers to have an idea of where they stand," said Mr Gregory.

Briefing details are as follows:

BENDIGO
Wednesday 21 April
9.00am - 11.00am (Registration 8.45am)
The Foundry Arms Hotel, 2 Old Street

ALBURY
Wednesday 21 April
Sundowner Paddlesteamer Lodge
324 Wodonga Place, Albury
5.30pm - 7.30pm (Registration: 5.15pm)

WANGARATTA
Thursday 22 April
9.00am - 11.00am (Registration: 8.45am)
The Wangaratta Club, 4 Victoria Parade

SHEPPARTON
Thursday 22 April
5.30pm - 7.30pm (Registration: 5.15pm)
Shepparton Club, 455 Wyndham Street

For all media enquiries, please contact:
VECCI Strategic Communications
Ph:      (03) 8662 5226
email: media@vecci.org.au