No images? Click here
Kaya reader,
The countdown is well and truly on to the WorkCover WA Conference 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to Optus Stadium on 16 September.
It promises to be a memorable day, featuring inspiring speakers, insightful discussions with industry experts and plenty of opportunities to strengthen our networks so we can maximise our individual and collective impact.
If you are unable to join us in-person, make sure you follow the excitement of the day via Facebook and LinkedIn!
As always, there’s lots of other news from us – from a rundown on our regulatory approach to claims management to new publications and events. Read on for more…
Focus
Beyond every employer having a policy of workers compensation insurance, one of WorkCover WA’s regulatory priorities is compliance with claims management obligations.
Our approach is grounded in education. In 2024/25 we sent out over 700 legal obligation notices to employers who recently took out a policy to promote their understanding and voluntary compliance with injury management obligations.
Major penalties also apply for breaches, and WorkCover WA has recently prosecuted several employers for failure to make timely and accurate income compensation payments, including:
- An industrial manufacturer fined $16,000
- A social assistance business fined $28,750
- A courier business fined $10,000.
The penalties imposed reflect the seriousness of the breach, and the importance of income compensation payments to reduce financial pressures on injured workers during their recovery and return to work.
What's new?
Insurance for Contractors: Explanatory Guide and Assessment Tool
It can be difficult to work out whether certain contractors fall within the definition of ‘worker’ in the Act when applying for or renewing a policy of workers compensation insurance.
Our new explanatory guide and assessment tool provides practical guidance for employers, contractors, insurance brokers and insurers when considering workers compensation insurance coverage of contractors.
Guidelines for use of PRC 85390 ‘Other Allied Health Services’
WorkCover WA has issued guidance on the use of PRC 85390 ‘Other Allied Health Services’, which applies to businesses providing allied health care services not elsewhere classified in the Order.
The guidance emphasises that PRC 85390, like all classifications containing “n.e.c.” (not elsewhere classified) or “other,” should only be used when there is no other suitable PRC available.
Permanent Impairment Guidelines Training for Prospective APIAs
There are several required criteria for a medical practitioner to be designated as an Approved Permanent Impairment Assessor (APIA) operating in the WA workers compensation scheme.
One of the criteria is to complete training in relation to the WorkCover WA Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The next training session has been scheduled for 6 November 2025. Please note this training is only open to medical practitioners, and completion of AMA5 training is a prerequisite for participation.
More information about eligibility to become an APIA and how to register for the training session is available on our website.
More stories
APIA Principles and Standards status update
We recently initiated a project to develop cohesive service expectations for Approved Permanent Impairment Assessors (APIAs) in the form of a new addition to our suite of Principles and Standards.
As part of our collaborative approach to product development, we have formed a reference group comprising representatives from ARPA, AMA WA, RACGP, ANZSOM, AFOEM, NIBA and ICA.
The reference group will meet for the first time in September to identify key opportunities and challenges and develop a draft document that will progress for broader consultation.
Framework to review
WRP Capability
Workplace rehabilitation providers (WRPs) assist employers and workers to address physical, psychological and workplace barriers that may prevent an injured worker from returning to work.
We have recently commenced development of a new capability review process for WRPs. The early stages of development will involve consultation and drafting of a suitable framework.
The capability review framework will join our suite of resources for WRPs and will reiterate the contents of both the Principles and Standards of Practice and Capability Framework to maximise service outcomes.
Reaching the regions
As part of our commitment to providing services in regional WA, our inspectors headed North to the Kimberely to conduct a compliance and inspection visit in late August.
Not only did they conduct inspections and site visits, but they also distributed key publications to the Broome Health Campus and local GPs.
Planning is currently underway for regional visits to the Mid-West, Kalgoorlie and Esperance. Stay tuned for more information.
Important dates
It Pays to Care workshop
15 September 2025
WorkCover WA Conference 2025
16 September 2025
ARPA WA Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards
17 September 2025
Prospective APIAs Guidelines training
6 November 2025
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.
