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Kaya (hello) reader,
Welcome to the new year! As the calendar flips over to 2023 we are refocusing on our vision in preparation for the opportunities ahead.
The new year has already ushered in changes for the WorkCover WA Board. We extend our sincerest thanks to Victoria Wilmot, whose term with the Board concluded at the end of 2022. Ms Wilmot has been a member of the Board since 2005 and has made significant contributions to the operations of the agency with her accounting and financial management expertise.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Don Cunninghame, who joined the WorkCover WA Board on 4 January 2023. Mr Cunninghame had a 29-year career at the Office of the Auditor General and holds 10 years of accounting and internal audit experience. Mr Cunninghame is also a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
The end of January marks the start of the lunar new year. As we hop into the Year of the Rabbit we wish all stakeholders a dynamic and prosperous 2023, and look forward to collaborating together to achieve our vision of a workers’ compensation and injury management scheme that works for all.
FOCUS
Focus on service
WorkCover WA Values Ambassador
Our values define what is important to us, and underpin our interactions with Government, community, stakeholders and each other.
One of our key values is service. We demonstrate our commitment to service by being clear about what we deliver and considering our customers and their needs. When interacting with our stakeholders, we commit, act and deliver.
WorkCover WA values ambassador Scott exemplifies this value in his work as advice and assistance team leader. In this role Scott communicates directly with the public to provide assistance and negotiate complaints against service providers and scheme participants. Scott always strives to provide a high level of responsive, empathetic service in his interactions with the community.
OTHER NEWS
Changes to audiometric equipment approval standards
Attention all NIHL service providers!
Prior to 1 January 2023, WorkCover WA approved audiometric equipment based on the criteria set within Australian/New Zealand Standard - Occupational Noise Management Part 4: Auditory Assessment, AS/NZS 1269.4 1998.
As of 1 January 2023, WorkCover WA has commenced approving audiometric equipment based on the latest version of the Standard – AS/NZS 1269.4:2014.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review AS/NZS 1269.4 2014 to ensure compliance from the date specified.
Stats in the spotlight
Measuring scheme results
Did you know we publish reports and statistics on a range of topics relevant to the WA workers’ compensation scheme? Accurate and timely reporting is an essential tool for scheme monitoring, enabling us to react to emerging trends and issues.
Published on a quarterly basis, the Scheme Status Report measures trends and changes to key elements of the scheme, including claim numbers, payments, estimated costs, claims management and dispute applications. All Scheme Status Reports from the last 12 months are available to view on the WorkCover WA website.
Settlements 101
What is a settlement?
A settlement is an agreement which finalises a workers’ compensation claim. In the WA workers’ compensation scheme there are two main types of settlements, the Memorandum of Agreement and Section 92F Deed. Settlements can include a lump sum compensation for permanent impairment, calculated based on the assessment of an Approved Medical Specialist (AMS) and Schedule 2 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act.
Once a settlement has been finalised, the worker is not entitled to any further compensation under the Act for the claim, including medical expenses and weekly payments. Before entering into a settlement, it is recommended parties seek independent legal advice.
Geraldton Regional Compliance
Inspectors will be visiting your region
Our inspectors will be visiting Geraldton in early February 2023 to conduct compliance checks and provide education regarding workers' compensation.
Employers, please have your insurer-issued Certificate of Currency ready for inspection.
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
Lunar New Year
22 January 2023
World Day for Safety & Health at Work
28 April 2023
WorkCover WA Conference 2023
13 October 2023
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.
