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Kaya (hello) reader,
Anticipation is in the air with only one week to go until the WorkCover WA Conference! We’ve been busy finalising the last details in preparation for an action-packed day set against the beautiful backdrop of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).
In amongst the excitement, we have continued to deliver effective services to our stakeholders. Last week, we were pleased to host a training session for incoming approved medical specialist candidates. The successful doctors will be able to assess an injured worker’s degree of whole permanent impairment, an important role that is essential to the smooth functioning of the scheme. Also featured in this edition are two recently released statistical reports, analysing trends and highlighting key scheme characteristics.
Although the Conference is now fully sold out, there are still ways to learn and engage with the agency. Why not try one of our accredited online training programs? Crafted specifically for claims managers and insurance brokers, both courses provide a valuable foundation of information about the workers’ compensation and injury management scheme in Western Australia. Read on to learn how to register.
FOCUS
CPD points available
Foundations of Workers’ Compensation: Claims Managers
10 NIBA/ANZIIF CPD points are now available for learners who successfully complete the Foundations of Workers’ Compensation: Claims Managers online training program.
Launched in July of this year, the free online course is designed to assist claims managers to improve their knowledge of workers’ compensation and develop the skills required to optimise their performance and client service delivery.
OTHER NEWS
Western Australian Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment Training Session
Training the next generation of Approved Medical Specialists
In October, WorkCover WA hosted a training session for 26 doctors interested in becoming Approved Medical Specialists (AMS).
An AMS plays an important role in the WA workers’ compensation scheme, assessing an injured worker’s degree of whole person impairment caused by workplace injuries. The assessment determines whether a worker is able to access certain entitlements under the scheme, such as a lump sum for permanent impairment or claim for common law damages.
The training session was presented by Dr Steven Overmeire, an independent occupational physician with over 20 years of experience.
PIEF Conference 2022
Together Today and Tomorrow
Last month, WorkCover WA representatives attended the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) Conference in Brisbane. The three-day event showcased exceptional outcomes and industry best practice in the motor accident (compulsory third party), workers’ compensation, disability and life insurance sectors.
WorkCover WA is proud to have sponsored Dr Catriona Wallace, a leading expert in artificial intelligence, to provide the keynote address on day two.
Another key highlight was the ‘Together Tomorrow – Workers’ Compensation’ panel, which featured WorkCover WA CEO Chris White in conversation with other scheme leaders from around Australia.
Digital Check-in
Conciliation and Arbitration Service
As part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation, WorkCover WA has developed an automated check-in facility for visitors.
Located in the reception of the WorkCover WA office in Shenton Park, the individual check-in touch screens enable attendees to digitally register their attendance for conciliation, pre-arbitration and arbitration matters. Regular attendees to CAS proceedings have appreciated the improved efficiency of the new system, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
New statistical reports
WorkCover WA has just released two updated statistical reports, the Scheme Exits Report and Medical, Allied Health and Workplace Rehabilitation Service Status Report.
The quarterly Scheme Exits Report measures trends and characteristics of finalised claims where claimants’ injuries occurred over the past ten years. The report provides a summary of elements relating to claimants exiting the workers’ compensation scheme based on the initial finalisation date.
The Medical, Allied Health and Workplace Rehabilitation Service Status Report is an annual report that details activities associated with treatment services provided within the WA workers’ compensation scheme.
Accurate and timely reporting is an essential tool for scheme monitoring, enabling WorkCover WA to react to emerging trends and issues.
WA Falls Report 2022
WorkCover WA contributes data to falls research
Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries? In 2020/21, one in four workers’ compensation claims was due to a slip, trip or fall at work.
WorkCover WA is proud to have contributed to Injury Matters’ WA Falls Report 2022, which details the incidence of falls-related fatalities, hospitalisations, emergency department attendances and ambulance attendances in Western Australia. The report is a useful resource for those looking to understand the causes of falls, and how to prevent them.
WORKCOVER WA CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN
Claims Managers Training
Sign up for the free micro-credential Foundations of Workers' Compensation: Claims Managers
Annual Report 2021/22
Read our Annual report which outlines the role of WorkCover WA, as well as the Agency’s operational and financial performance over the past financial year.
Events and Important Dates
Personal Injury & Disability Management National Conference
10 - 12 October 2022
WorkCover WA Conference
16 November
WorkCover WA Holiday Closedown
24 December – 2 January
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.
