Dear reader

The year 2021 marks one of great significance in the workers’ compensation and injury management industry.

A Bill to modernise Western Australia’s workers compensation laws was approved in July and a consultation period commenced in August.

Following the recent closure of the consultation period, WorkCover WA has now moved into the next phase to consider the submissions received to finalise the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Bill for Cabinet approval. I would like to thank those of you who took the time to engage with us, through open and targeted consultations sessions, viewing the resources and of course, submitting feedback. The process resulted in 85 submissions.

Looking forward, 2022 will mark 40 years of WorkCover WA. During this time our Agency has remained agile and responsive, adapting to structural changes, widespread adoption of digital services, along with the ever changing economic and social landscapes.

What has not changed, however, is the importance of setting clear standards and providing tools and resources to support injured workers, employers and key stakeholders. While it is difficult to predict the changes ahead, we are committed to building the right systems and processes to enable the scheme to be future-looking and fit for purpose.

I hope you will join us in celebrating our 40-year milestone during the WorkCover WA Conference on 25 May next year. I encourage you to all save this date in your calendar and register your attendance in early 2022.

Ahead of the busy festive season, WorkCover WA will remain open for business, with reduced services operating on 29, 30 and 31 December this year.

I would like to extend my thanks for your ongoing support and commitment to the workers’ compensation and injury management scheme. My best wishes for a safe and happy festive season.

Chris White
CEO, WorkCover WA

FOCUS

Education for Claims Managers

Foundations of Workers’ Compensation for Claims Managers

Claims Managers play a vital role in the workers compensation and injury management scheme. To assist these stakeholders, we are developing an online learning platform which will provide practical and relevant education about the role a Claims Manager plays, and their responsibilities to clients within the context of the workers’ compensation scheme in Western Australia.

The education program will be launched at the WorkCover WA Conference in May next year, we hope to see you there!

View the Conference website

OTHER NEWS

Long Duration Claims

Statistical report now available

Long duration claims are commonly defined as workers’ compensation claims which involve 60 days or more off work due to work-related injury or disease.

We report on long duration claims to provide our stakeholders with an understanding of the overall activity and key trends of these types of claims in the WA workers’ compensation scheme.

The latest Long Duration Claims report for 2016/17 to 2019/20 is now available for download on the WorkCover WA website.

Download report

Compliance Activities

Record increase in prosecutions

Over the past year, WorkCover WA has seen a record increase of prosecutions under the Act. One recent prosecution attracted a $100,000 fine due to a restaurant owner failing to obtain a policy of insurance for workers’ compensation.

A valid Certificate of Currency from an approved insurer is an employer’s proof of compliance when insuring against the cost of injury in the workplace. For more information, contact our Advice and Assistance line on 1300 794 744.

View recent prosecutions

New Fact Sheet

For approved hearing testers

We have recently developed and released a new fact sheet for approved Noise Induced Hearing Loss testers.

The fact sheet includes details on employer responsibilities, booking and conducting tests and registering test results on WorkCover WA Online.

The fact sheet can be downloaded on the WorkCover WA website. Physical copies can be ordered by emailing communications@workcover.wa.gov.au.

Download fact sheet

It's in the Bag

WorkCover WA shares the dignity

The #ItsInTheBag campaign aims to provide women fleeing domestic violence, experiencing homelessness or doing it tough, with bags of essential supplies.

This year, our Agency are proud to donate 56 bags, complete with items such as toiletries, personal care products and personalised letters. All items were donated and packed by Agency staff.

You can learn more about Share the Dignity and the #ItsInTheBag campaign below.

Learn more