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Kaya (hello) reader,
Spring is in the air and staff and visitors have been enjoying the blossoming of native flowers around the WorkCover WA building in Shenton Park. This new burst of growth and activity is aligned with the imminent arrival of the Noongar season of ‘Kambarang’ (second spring) in October, a time of change and renewal in the natural world.
As we move into this transformational time of year, changes and developments are also underway at WorkCover WA. Activity is ramping up as we focus on preparations for the WorkCover WA Conference in November. This significant industry event will deliver an inspiring program of local and interstate speakers and is a key opportunity to grow and develop professional networks.
Tickets are selling fast and early-bird discounts are only available until 30 September - don’t miss your opportunity to secure your place!
FOCUS
What is the future of work in Western Australia?
Marion Fulker is the CEO of the Committee for Perth and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia. In her role at the Committee, Marion has overseen the development of over 140 pieces of research to understand the opportunities and challenges facing the Perth Region.
At the WorkCover WA Conference, Marion will share her expert predictions for the future of work in WA, covering the impact of technology, workforce trends and industry needs, and how to embrace the opportunities that come with disruption.
OTHER NEWS
Regional Compliance Education
WorkCover WA staff in the Pilbara
WorkCover WA inspectors visited Karratha between 30 and 31 August 2022 to conduct compliance checks and provide education regarding workers’ compensation.
WorkCover WA aims to ensure all employers, irrespective of where they are located, comply with their legislative obligations. Face-to-face visits are an important aspect of the agency’s communications strategy, which utilises both traditional and contemporary methods to provide education tailored to stakeholder needs.
Employer Prosecution
Failure to have a valid workers' compensation insurance policy
WorkCover WA identifies and collects evidence to infringe or prosecute a case when an employer operates while uninsured, but the courts determine the penalty outcomes of a prosecution.
In a recent prosecution of an employer, the following orders were made:
- Fine of $30,000 for the offence
- Avoided premium of $23,455.44
- Costs fixed in the amount of $788.30
Employers need a valid Certificate of Currency from an approved insurer to ensure compliance with legal obligations. For further information please contact WorkCover WA’s Advice and Assistance line on 1300 794 744.
Audit of Approved Hearing Testers
Ensuring sound service delivery
From June to August 2022, WorkCover WA conducted an audit of approved hearing testers. The audit aimed to determine how well testers were fulfilling the requirements of the Act, with a particular focus on reporting timeframes, privacy obligations and tests only being conducted by approved personnel.
Overall, audit participants saw the assessment as both educative and informative. Audit results will be used as an opportunity to review practices and ensure appropriate governance is in place.
Wear it Purple Day 2022
WorkCover WA staff wear purple to support LGBTQIA+ youth
On Friday 26 August, WorkCover WA donned their brightest purple outfits in support of LGBTQIA+ youth. Held on the last Friday of August each year, Wear It Purple Day celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion, while raising awareness of harmful social stigmas.
WorkCover WA seeks to create an inclusive workplace where people of diverse sexualities and genders are accepted. Click below to watch a video showcasing our staff and their thoughts in the lead up to Wear it Purple Day 2022.
Dispute Resolution 101
What's the difference between conciliation and arbitration?
Disputes can arise at any stage of the claim process, and over any number of issues. If parties are unable to resolve their disagreement, an application can be made to WorkCover WA’s Conciliation and Arbitration Service (CAS).
The first step in the process is conciliation. An impartial conciliation officer mediates between the parties, facilitating discussion of options to resolve the issue. Approximately 75 percent of disputes are resolved at this stage.
If a resolution cannot be reached through conciliation, arbitration is the next step – a more formal process where an independent arbitrator listens to the evidence and makes a legally binding decision about the dispute.
CLAIMS MANAGERS TRAINING
Sign up for the free micro-credential, Foundations of Workers' Compensation: Claims Managers
STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2025
Read our plan for leading a responsive and sustainable workers' compensation scheme through 2022 to 2025
Events and Important Dates
R U OK Day
8 September
National Work Safe Month
October 2022
Personal Injury & Disability Management National Conference
10 - 12 October 2022
WorkCover WA Conference
16 November
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, present and emerging.
