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Kaya reader,
The first month under the new legislative framework has already flown by, and we have been pleased to see a high level of engagement with the new resources available on our updated WorkCover WA website.
Our latest release is our new Have you been injured at work? posters and brochures - printable and ready for use in your workplace or practice now.
Someone with lived experience in returning to life and work after injury is Paralympian Lauren Parker. Prior to 2017, Lauren was an elite able-bodied triathlete, but following an accident in 2020, she suffered major injuries including paraplegia. Now one of Australia's most promising Para-triathletes, Lauren claimed silver at the 2020 Paralympics.
You can cheer Lauren on as she goes for gold in Paris later this month, and you can hear more about her inspirational journey at the PIEF Conference this October - full Program and tickets available now!
IN FOCUS
On 9 July 2024, WorkCover WA issued a Bulletin clarifying insurance brokers cannot access a worker’s personal information from an insurer without consent given by the worker.
This position is unchanged from the 1981 Act to the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 and is consistent with WorkCover WA’s Insurance Brokers Principles and Standards of Practice.
Standard 3.10 Worker Consent Authority
Employers and insurers should have informed consent from an injured worker to share the worker’s personal health or financial information with a broker.
A broker should ensure a worker’s consent has been obtained prior to receiving/accessing the worker’s personal health or financial information.
This includes access to information provided by the employer.
This does not mean brokers cannot perform a role in injury and claims management. It simply clarifies that informed written consent of the worker must be obtained before the insurer is permitted to disclose personal information.
MORE NEWS
Provisional Payments
Since 1 July 2024, if an insurer or self-insurer has deferred the decision about liability on a claim, provisional payments may be payable. Non-payment of provisional payments is a regulatory compliance matter.
The Director Conciliation has issued a Conciliation Practice Note with more information about lodging an application for conciliation on the basis that there was a failure to make provisional payments.
For more information, workers are encouraged to contact our Advice and Assistance Team at 1300 794 744.
Annual Insurer Review
We recently commenced our Annual Insurer Review to examine the structures, processes, resource use and systems in place.
The review is part of our approach to strengthen regulation and ensure service expectations are met.
We look forward to conducting face-to-face meetings with individual insurers over the coming months.
Our primary resource guiding insurer performance is the Insurer and Self-Insurer Principles and Standards of Practice.
Supporting return to work
Research shows that an early return to work is an important part of recovery and leads to the best possible outcomes for injured workers.
A return to work program assists an injured worker to return to work in a timely, safe and durable way.
In consultation with ARPA WA and injury management advisors, we recently published explanatory notes describing how to develop a return to work program effectively in the approved form.
Upcoming ARPA WA Awards
WorkCover WA CEO Chris White and General Manager Regulatory Services Rebecca Harris were pleased to participate in the judging process for the upcoming Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (ARPA) WA Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards.
We look forward to celebrating the crucial role of rehabilitation providers at the Ritz-Carlton, Perth on 24 September. For more information, including how to secure your ticket, visit the ARPA website.
Dates for your diary
ARPA WA Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards
13 September 2024
ANZSOM ASM 2024
20-23 October 2024
PIEF Conference 2024
28-30 October 2024
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 and present.
