WORKERS' COMP WASN'T BUILT FOR THIS

And now it’s buckling under the weight of something no one saw coming: psychosocial trauma.

Domestic violence. Stalking. Work-place harassment.
The new wave of claims isn’t physical, it’s personal, complex, and quiet. And they’re costing more than we think.

For decades, businesses have leaned on a three-part safety net:

• Workers’ Comp insurance to respond to physical incidents

• EAPs to support wellbeing

• Employee health & wellness programs like FDV leave, gym memberships, stress leave, and carers leave

That used to be enough. It isn’t anymore.

The Risk Profile Has Changed.

And if your organisation hasn’t adapted, you’re exposed.

Most psychosocial incidents, from bullying to family violence spill-over, don’t start with a claim.
They start with silence. With presenteeism. With a good employee showing up… but falling apart inside.

And by the time it does become a claim?
You’re looking at:

• 6–12 months of wage replacement

• A broken team dynamic

• Long-term reputational risk

• Spiralling premium costs

What’s Missing? A Fourth Layer.

VUCA’s Safety Assist is the fourth piece of work-place risk armour.

Where workers’ comp and wellness programs kick in after the damage is done, Safety Assist prevents escalation by:

• Offering 24/7 anonymous crisis response (not just emotional support)

• Managing accommodation, legal help, risk planning, and comms

• Handling issues discreetly, before they spiral

It doesn’t replace your EAP or your HR policies.
It completes them.

We need to evolve the playbook.

If your workplace safety model only works when someone loses a limb, it’s not a model, it’s a liability.

And if you’ve seen this shift firsthand, we’d love to hear your take.