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Kaya (hello) reader,
Embracing a culture of open communication is a key value of WorkCover WA. We are constantly looking for ways to improve scheme services through stakeholder engagement and community collaboration.
In this October issue of Compensation Matters, you can see a snapshot of the diverse ways in which WorkCover WA connects, communicates and engages with stakeholders to achieve our vision of ‘a workers’ compensation and injury management scheme that works for all’. From in-person regional visits to educational videos, over-the-phone advice to industry events, WorkCover WA is committed to staying in touch and providing trusted information and advice to stakeholders.
The upcoming WorkCover WA Conference is an important opportunity for the agency to engage with stakeholders, provide key scheme updates and facilitate professional networking. We are pleased to announce that the Conference is now sold out, with hundreds of industry professionals registered to attend this event on 16 November. See you there!
FOCUS
WorkCover WA Conference SOLD OUT!
The WorkCover WA Conference is officially sold out!
With just over a month to go until the event, we are excited to join stakeholders and industry professionals for a day of inspiring sessions, set against the spectacular backdrop of Optus Stadium and the Swan River.
Further limited tickets may be available subject to cancellations. To be added to the waitlist, please email communications@workcover.wa.gov.au.
OTHER NEWS
Annual Report 2021/22
Reflecting on the past, focusing on the future
The WorkCover WA Annual Report 2021/22 is now available.
Reporting at the end of each financial year is a requirement for WA public sector agencies. The Annual Report records WorkCover WA’s activities and achievements over the 2021/22 financial year, ensuring transparency around scheme performance and assisting the community to understand the agency’s diverse operations.
The report was tabled in Western Australian Parliament by Hon. Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Industrial Relations, on 20 September 2022.
New Industrial Diseases Medical Panel Chair
Welcome Dr Prichard
WorkCover WA congratulates Dr Michael Prichard on his appointment as Chair of the Industrial Diseases Medical Panel (IDMP). Dr Prichard is a consultant physician with expertise in clinical respiratory and sleep disorders, with research interests including chronic cough, occupational asthma, general sleep disorders and pulmonary aspiration syndromes.
IDMPs are convened to determine prescribed questions in relation to pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and diffuse pleural fibrosis claims, and are comprised of physicians who specialise in diseases of the chest or occupational diseases.
Pended Claims
Effective regulation guides positive outcomes
Monitoring of pended claims across the scheme continues to be a key focus for WorkCover WA.
The Insurer and Self-insurer Principles and Standards of Practice, specifically Standard 2.3, provide a clear set of expectations for the management of claims pended greater than 90 days, including monthly reporting to WorkCover WA.
Over the last two years these expectations have successfully led to a decrease in the number of pended claims and decrease in the duration of pended claims. These positive developments are important indicators of a solid claims management foundation and a commitment
from insurers and self-insurers to address challenges as and when they arise.
WorkCover WA is now applying a risk-based approach to the oversight of pended claims. The monthly reporting obligation on insurers and self-insurers has been extended to quarterly reporting, and WorkCover WA will continue to provide claims managers with quarterly updates on their pended claims results.
New Manager, Data and Analysis
WorkCover WA is pleased to welcome Alan Lee as the agency’s new Manager, Data and Analysis.
Alan has an actuarial background with extensive experience in information gathering, data analysis and reporting. He has previously worked for the Public Sector Commission, managing whole of sector data collections and surveys and implementing data quality controls including setting industry standards. Alan has experience authoring analytical reports for a range of audiences, from researchers and service providers to government bodies and Parliament.
In his new role, Alan will lead the day-to-day operations of the Business Intelligence and Data Quality teams, providing accurate, informative and timely data and reports to support the work of the Agency and the scheme.
Regional Compliance Education
WorkCover WA staff visit Esperance
WorkCover WA inspectors visited Esperance on 29 September 2022 to conduct compliance checks and provide education regarding workers’ compensation.
WorkCover WA aims to ensure all employers, irrespective of where they are located, comply with their legislative obligations. Face-to-face visits are an important aspect of the agency’s communications strategy, which utilises both traditional and contemporary methods to provide education tailored to stakeholder needs.
During the visit inspectors met with a number of local businesses, brokers and accountants. Four uninsured employers have subsequently taken out coverage, ensuring businesses and workers will be protected in the case of a workplace injury, disease or fatality.
Translated publications available
Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse stakeholders
Did you know that WorkCover WA has a range of translated resources available for stakeholders? Select publications and educational videos are available in languages most commonly used by our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) stakeholders, including Vietnamese, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. This month we are proud to release our Silicosis Fact Sheet for Workers in Pashto, Simplified Chinese and Tagalog.
In addition to translated resources, WorkCover WA also provides an interpreter service when required for advice and assistance queries and conciliation and arbitration matters.
CLAIMS MANAGERS TRAINING
Sign up for the free micro-credential, Foundations of Workers' Compensation: Claims Managers
STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2025
Read our plan for leading a responsive and sustainable workers' compensation scheme through 2022 to 2025
Events and Important Dates
National Work Safe Month
October 2022
Personal Injury & Disability Management National Conference
10 - 12 October 2022
WorkCover WA Conference
16 November
WorkCover WA acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all Aboriginal communities and their cultures, to elders past, present and emerging.
