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Workplace registration fees will be abolished in a move that will save Queensland employers more than $7 million a year, Employment, Training and Industrial Relations Minister Tom Barton announced today. Other amendments to the Workplace Health and Safety Act to be introduced this week include quicker processing of workers' compensation claims, clarification of appeal rights and an increase in benefits for more seriously injured workers whose claims go beyond 26 weeks. "The lump sum payout will no longer be reduced by the amount of weekly benefits already paid to an injured worker, with more workers expected to take advantage of the new offer and not launch common law claims," he says. "Fine tuning processes relating to common law will also expedite claims resolution, as will a provision requiring an insurer to decide on a workers' compensation claim within 40 working days for physical injuries." Additionally, Barton says simplified administrative arrangements will align Queensland with other states, making it easier for employers whose businesses operate interstate. Other changes in the amendment Bill will clarify types of work that need an electrical licence to be carried out as well as defining powers than can be used against unlicensed electrical workers who perform shoddy work.