Module 5: Legislation: Hearing Loss and Compensation Lecture - Fine Tuning Our Practical Approach To The New Hearing Conservation Legislation (Continued)

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The legislative framework which underpins Instruction 171 is shown schematically below:

Where did II 171 originate from?

• It is based on German model.
• This model was refined by Australia.
• It was adapted by actuaries for RSA to accommodate local equipment.

What is better in II 171?

• It affords a real incentive for prevention.
• It makes the employer accountable for NIHL caused (risk rating).
• It contains no discrimination.
• It compares with best in the world.
• It provides a "window of opportunity" to correct and manage risk.

Problems with II 171:

• It attempts to co-ordinate all the legislation.
• The baselines are cumbersome - improved administration and better software are required.
• A failure to utilise the "window of opportunity" will be costly, as that failure will benefit the employee.
• The required information technology and software are still lacking.

168 and 171 compared: