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Kaya reader,
How does WorkCover WA amplify our impact and communicate key messages, new information and current data to every worker, every employer and every service provider in Western Australia?
We connect.
Connecting with industry experts and thought leaders from around Australia at events like the PIEF National Conference ensures the knowledge gained from international speakers like Terry Bogyo or the impactful experiences shared by Lauren Parker and Theo Venter can be reflected in our work and our scheme.
But that's not all! This edition of Compensation Matters takes a deep dive into our education and engagement initiatives and updates you on all the latest about our new campaigns, regional engagement and legislative changes. Let's catch you up...
IN FOCUS
“Pretty sure workers comp insurance is optional”
“Pretty sure it’s in my business insurance pack.”
“Pretty sure it renews automatically”
With a single workers compensation claim having the potential to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, failure to meet compulsory workers compensation obligations has the potential to devastate any business.
Our new employer education campaign targets business owners, highlighting that it's not good enough to be just “pretty sure” of your workers compensation obligations.
Visit the campaign homepage now for the full suite of campaign resources.
MORE NEWS
Annual Statistical Report
- How many claims were lodged in the WA workers compensation scheme in 2023/24?
- What is the average recommended premium rate?
- What is the return to work rate?
Find out the answers to these questions and more now with our latest Annual Statistical Report for 2023/24.
The full report provides an overview of scheme performance and key trends, and detailed information about claims management, claimant characteristics, premium rates and more.
Regional Engagement
Regular regional visits are one of the ways we maintain engagement and generate compliance throughout WA.
In mid-October, WorkCover WA inspectors visited Carnarvon for a week full of inspections. They conducted over 150 site visits to promote employer compliance with workers compensation and injury management obligations.
Up next:
WorkCover WA inspectors will be visiting Christmas Island on 14 to 16 November to increase engagement and raise awareness.
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Amendment (Common Law Election Validation) Act 2024 addresses negative implications of the Court of Appeal decision of Neville v Choice One Pty Ltd [2024] WASCA 104.
The Act passed through Parliament on 23 October 2024 and came into operation following Royal Assent on 29 October 2024.
Read the statement by the Hon. Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Industrial Relations for more information.
Conciliation Practice Note 3
Conciliation Practice Note 3 - Disputes about Medical and Health Expenses Compensation has been published with effect from 28 October 2024.
The note sets out the practice that will be followed by the Conciliation Service when assessing whether the requirements of Rule 7(3)(b) and 7(3)(c) of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Conciliation Rules 2024 have been met when an application for conciliation pertains to the payment of medical and health expenses in accordance with Part 2 Division 4 Subdivision 3 of the Act and Part 4 Division 4 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024.
Settlements update
With around 120 new applications to register a settlement lodged each week, our Registry team has been busy checking the large volume of documents, calculations and permanent impairment assessments to process settlements as quickly as possible.
While it has taken a few months to adjust to the requirements of our new legislative framework, over 1000 settlement agreements have now been registered since 1 July.
We thank parties for your ongoing co-operation to ensure documents lodged are correct, complete and consistent so settlements can be registered without delay.
EVENT SEASON RECAP
PIEF National Conference and Awards Night
With over 800 delegates from across Australia and the world in attendance, the 2024 PIEF National Conference was an event to remember!
From the buzz of the exhibitors hall to the boundless expertise on offer in session, we were thrilled to connect with attendees to explore how we can collectively come together to work well, drive well and be well..
To top it all off, the PIEF Awards Gala Dinner acknowledged the many incredible achievements in the Personal Injury and Disability Management space.
A huge congratulations to all the deserving finalists and winners! A special shout out to our Western Australian winners:
Tim Sullivan, QBE, was awarded the Education & Training Program Design of the Year Award.
Andrew Walker, GIO, earned the Outstanding Leadership Award.
Rob Moffatt, IPAR Rehabilitation, took home the Inaugural John Walsh Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.
It Pays to Care x PIEF adjunct session
It Pays to Care (IPTC) is a call for change and action to improve health and recovery outcomes and reduce barriers to care for people experiencing work injuries.
WorkCover WA has a longstanding relationship with the IPTC team, and we have been pleased to see this valuable message spread nationwide through events like the recent pre-PIEF Conference adjunct session.
ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting
On 21 October, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM) Annual Scientific Meeting was held in Perth, exploring the theme 'innovate, integrate, inspire: navigating the future of occupational medicine.'
WorkCover WA CEO Chris White and General Manager Rebecca Harris delivered a keynote presentation titled 'the Western Australian Experience'.
WorkSafe WA EveryBODY matters event
We were pleased to be part of WorkSafe WA's EveryBODY matters musculoskeletal disorder forum to mark Safe Work Month.
With traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries making up 51% of claims in WA 2022/23 and 48% in 2023/24, the forum was an excellent opportunity to share key insights about the workers compensation and injury management experience.
Did you know we've integrated a new translation function on our website? At the click of a button, our website can now be translated into over 200 languages! Look for the language bar on the left side of our website to give it a go now.
Important dates
Christmas closedown
25 December 2024 to 1 January 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.
