Implementing Healing Rituals for Those Wronged by the Workers Compensation System

When systemic issues in government programs like the Workers' Compensation System cause harm, simple apologies often fall short. In this instance we aren't talking about a random few people who have been harmed, we are talking about tens of thousands of injured workers and their families who have had their lives completely shattered for simply getting injured at work. The scale of this disaster is staggering. Decades of abuse by a system meant to heal.

Failing to acknowledge this systemic harm is causing further distress to those impacted and it requires addressing. Why do we say this? For over 100 years this system has harmed. It has never worked effectively as our research shows. It was created in a different era, social values were vastly different, yet somehow the system has not once ever come under real scruitiny for the intense harm wicked government policies have caused. The current government persists with blaming the previous Liberal Government for all the failings of the system. Yes, some of the issues are true but that is not the root cause.

The root cause is an outdated business model that even some scheme agent insurers have reached out to us as we filmed Shattered to express concern. Beating up sick people to make money and deny them help when they are accutely vulnerable is not the way to do it. That much is common sense. All the spin in the world will not change this fact.

So to the point of this blog post - healing those harmed is part of the Government's responsibility, not sending sorry letters. Here are some tips to help. They are baby steps but the system cannot keep this false narrative running. Accountability for the harm and systemic betrayal to your family, your friends, your colleagues must take place.

One small step in healing from moral injury is the use of rituals. Rituals of significance can play an important part in that healing process. To heal we must be heard. Here are some potential actions the government could take to implement meaningful healing rituals:

1. Public Acknowledgment and Commemoration

- **Official Day of Recognition**: Establish an annual day to acknowledge those affected by failures in the Workers Compensation System.

- **Memorial or Monument**: Create a physical space for reflection and remembrance, symbolizing the government's commitment to reform and healing.

2. Storytelling and Documentation

- **Truth and Reconciliation Commission**: Form a commission to collect and document stories from affected individuals, ensuring their experiences are heard and recorded.

- **Public Archive**: Create an accessible archive of these stories, serving as both a historical record and a resource for ongoing improvement.

3. Symbolic Restitution

- **Commemorative Certificates Of Apology**: Issue official recognition to those who suffered, acknowledging their struggle and resilience.

- **Planting of Memorial Gardens**: Establish gardens in various locations, with each plant representing an individual or family affected.

4. Active Participation in Reform

- **Advisory Board**: Form a board comprising affected individuals to guide ongoing reforms in the Workers Compensation System. Invite those you wouldn't normally invite. Be brave.

- **Public Forums**: Host regular public meetings where officials listen to concerns and ideas from those impacted.

5. Education and Awareness

- **Mandatory Training**: Implement training programs for all Workers Compensation System employees, based on real experiences of those wronged.

- **Public Education Campaign**: Launch initiatives to inform the public about past issues and ongoing reforms.

6. Healing Events and Services

- **Healing Circles**: Organize facilitated group sessions for affected individuals to share experiences and support each other.

- **Specialized Mental Health Services**: Provide free, specialized counseling services tailored to address the unique trauma experienced.

7. Financial Gestures

- **Compensation Fund**: Establish a fund to provide financial support for ongoing medical or psychological care related to the system's failures.

- **Educational Scholarships**: Offer scholarships to affected individuals or their family members, symbolizing investment in their future.

8. Institutional Reform Rituals

- **Public Recommitment Ceremonies**: Hold annual events where government officials publicly recommit to the reformed principles and practices of the Workers Compensation System.

- **Transparency Reports**: Release regular, detailed reports on system improvements, acknowledging past failures and documenting progress.

9. Community Service Initiatives

- **Government-Sponsored Volunteer Programs**: Create programs where government officials work alongside affected individuals in community service projects, symbolizing a shared commitment to societal wellbeing.

10. Artistic Expression

- **Commissioned Artworks**: Fund the creation of artworks by affected individuals or artists working with their stories, to be displayed in government buildings.

- **Performance Series**: Sponsor a series of plays, music, or dance performances that tell the stories of those affected, bringing wider public awareness. Finding ways to partner with the Shattered Docuseries is another opportunity.

Think broadly - how can we support those we are meant to care about and genuinely show our understanding of the damage that has been done. We cannot wipe away history with fales narratives, ie we are reforming yet again, but artistic expression has long been acknowldeged as a powerful healing tool.

Implementation Considerations:

- Involve affected individuals in the planning and execution of these rituals to ensure they are meaningful and appropriate.

- Ensure all actions are backed by genuine systemic changes to prevent future harm.

- Recognize that different individuals may find different rituals meaningful; offer a variety of approaches.

- Commit to long-term engagement, understanding that healing is an ongoing process.

By implementing a combination of these rituals, the government can demonstrate a sincere commitment to healing, reform, and prevention of future harm. These actions go beyond mere apology, creating tangible experiences of acknowledgment, support, and change for those wronged by the Workers Compensation System.

Note: No doubt as soon as we post this, many of these ideas will appear across the system. Please credit us for this work. Our ask is therefore simple, please acknowledge the role lived and living experience is now playing in reform. Embed it across the entire system and support the work of Shattered. You can reach out to us to fnd out more or to host screenings in your workplace.