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Kaya reader,
Looking after people matters. It's the ‘why’ of everything we do.
As the scheme administrator and regulator, communicating the ‘why’ behind our actions and decisions is a core component of our work. When all scheme participants are clear on the ‘why’, it enhances the significance of ‘what’ we do. Over the last month we have held a number of performance review meetings to ensure we all are clear on ‘why’, so the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ become more than just steps in a process.
It's also ‘why’ we celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our people and our industry and keep pushing for a culture of service, inclusion and respect.
Read on for a few of our stories about our ‘why’ and what we're doing to demonstrate our commitment to ensure people matter.
FOCUS
What is an uninsured claim?
Workers compensation insurance is compulsory for all employers. It protects them from the financial cost of workers compensation claims. A claim relating to a workplace injury when an employer fails to hold insurance is called an 'uninsured claim'.
What happens to the worker?
Injured workers must not be disadvantaged if their employer does not hold insurance and have the same entitlements as if the employer is insured. WorkCover WA oversees all uninsured claims to ensure the claim progresses and responsibilities of all parties are met.
When an employer does not meet their responsibilities, WorkCover WA will initially cover payments to an injured worker. Once the claim is finalised, WorkCover WA will seek to recover these payments from the employer.
Compliance considerations
WorkCover WA investigates employers who fail to hold required workers compensation insurance. In the event a matter is prosecuted, a magistrate may take an uninsured claim into account when ordering a penalty.
For example, a business uninsured from March 2022 to January 2023 was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and avoided premiums of $10,721, with matters taken into consideration by the magistrate being the uninsured claim and the protracted offence period.
MORE NEWS
Self-Insurer Reviews
Our final set of self-insurer reviews under the 1981 legislation came to a close in February.
Self-insurer performance is monitored in line with service expectations identified in the Insurer and Self-Insurer Principles and Standards of Practice.
Priority areas are the worker and employer experience, claims management and injury management.
Implementation Review Update
In January, WorkCover WA published a consultation paper on proposed refinements and improvements to key forms and processes implemented with the new Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 on 1 July 2024.
We are currently considering the 25 submissions received and will provide a further update on all changes to administrative instruments and regulations by the end of April.
International Women's Day
On Friday 7 March, WorkCover WA staff celebrated International Women's Day (IWD) with a panel of insurance industry leaders, opened by our Board Chair, Sharryn Jackson.
Rebecca Harris led a discussion with Shannon Cleary (QBE), Victoria Mills (CGU) and Jade Somers (Allianz) about their diverse personal and professional journeys, and their personal understanding of this year's IWD theme - "accelerate action".
Pink Power
In early February, WorkCover WA staff came together in their brightest pink for a lunchtime fundraiser in support of the McGrath Foundation.
Staff enjoyed fresh burgers, and a spirited Pink Test cricket match organised by our Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
We were pleased to raise money for this worthy cause, funding Cancer Care Nurses and supporting those impacted.
This April, we're teaming up with It Pays to Care’s Dr Mary Wyatt and heading to Albany to host education sessions for employers and brokers on how to overcome barriers to effective injury management.
Registration is now open for our two sessions on 2 April - don't miss out!
Important dates
WorkCover WA Conference 2025
16 September 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.
