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Kaya reader,
It's the season of renewal as we approach the middle of Djilba season, and next time you visit us, you might notice some changes like our fresh blue signage and crisp new blue and white uniforms…
But it’s not just surface level renewal – now is the perfect time for some spring cleaning to take stock of where you are at and what you might need for the coming months. If you’re still surrounded by our old green and gold publications that refer to the 1981 Act, we have good news! Our updated Guide for Workers and Guide for Employers and more are available on our website, and printed copies have arrived for distribution. Our publications can be ordered free of charge for reasonable use - submit your publication order now.
If you prefer your information in video format, we’ve got you covered with our renewed educational videos available now on our website and YouTube channel. Our videos are an excellent resource for workers, employers and other stakeholders to gain an understanding of insurance obligations, the claims process and injury management.
Read on for more about policy renewal, our new practice notes and more.
IN FOCUS
Did you know one of the most common mistakes that employers make is failing to renew their workers compensation insurance policy?
Workers compensation insurance does not automatically renew so it’s vital to check the expiry date of your policy and make sure you complete the renewal process and obtain a new Certificate of Currency each year.
Even if your business is closing or being sold soon – if you are employing for even a short period after policy expiry you need to hold insurance coverage. After all, a single workplace injury can cost in excess of $1M. It’s simply not worth the risk to be uninsured.
Major penalties also apply for failure to hold required insurance.
A Malaga bakery with a policy expiring in June 2023 that ongoing neglected coverage due to plans to sell the business was recently ordered to pay a $150,000 penalty, as well as repaying avoided premiums of $35,596. Despite repeated contact from inspectors to prioritise insurance, the bakery engaged 64 workers over nine months from policy expiry to the ultimate business sale date in March 2024 – with every worker, every day representing an increased risk.
Read more about our compliance activities and prosecutions now.
MORE NEWS
Conciliation Practice Note
The Director Conciliation has issued a Conciliation Practice Note outlining a practice that will be followed when assessing incoming applications for conciliation:
If a worker makes an application for conciliation seeking payment of income compensation payments on the basis that the employer is taken to have accepted liability for the claim pursuant to section 28(6) and has failed to make income compensation payments, the application must be accompanied by evidence that the worker sought assistance via the insurer or self-insurer’s internal dispute resolution process and/or from the WorkCover WA Manager Compliance to resolve the dispute with the employer.
Find all the Conciliation Practice Notes and more information about our dispute resolution services on our website.
APIA Psychiatry Peer Review Session
On 15 August, we were pleased to host a specialised Approved Permanent Impairment Assessor (APIA) Peer Review Session with a focus on psychiatric injury.
With 20 Psychiatrists in attendance, Dr Steven Overmeire and Dr Edward Petch facilitated an in-depth discussion about permanent impairment assessments for psychiatric injury under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 and the WorkCover WA Permanent Impairment Guidelines. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore complex issues and concerns, unpack case studies and support consistency of practice.
Feedback was positive, with attendees welcoming the opportunity to connect and collaborate.
Last chance for PIEF early bird pricing
With less than two months to go, it’s your last chance to be save on tickets for the PIEF Conference 2024 with Early Bird pricing available until 29 September.
WorkCover WA is proud to be a diamond sponsor of this unmissable event, and we are currently exploring how we can work with PIEF and our fellow sponsors to optimise the attendee experience.
We look forward to welcoming you on 28-30 October!
It Pays to Care x PIEF adjunct session
And if you’re stuck on what to do before the PIEF Conference kicks off on Monday evening then you’re in luck! You’re invited to the next face-to-face It Pays to Care forum on Monday afternoon at Crown Perth before the Conference kicks off.
Join Dr Mary Wyatt and Sharon Stratford for a light networking lunch followed by a symposium to explore the It Pays to Care imperative and drive the national discussion about fair and efficient workers compensation systems.
The session is targeted at senior operational and policy professionals and will be mix of expert and participant sharing. Registrations are open now.
Kalgoorlie Visit
On 29 August, WorkCover WA inspectors visited Kalgoorlie to conduct a compliance and education visit.
The trip included meetings with local employers, brokers and service providers to raise awareness of legal obligations and distribute our updated publications.
With more regional trips to come this year, we look forward to our next opportunity to connect with our regional stakeholders.
Find out more about our education approach and our resources for employers.
Wear it Purple Day
Wear it Purple Day is an international initiative to promote support and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ youth, and start important conversations that challenge preconceptions about sexuality, sex and gender.
This August, we celebrated with a quiz lunch and fundraiser attended by staff across the agency, all in their finest purple to show their support for a good cause.
We were pleased to donate $300 to the Freedom Centre in support of LGBTQIA+ youth.
Did you know October is National Safe Work Month? Check out the resources from Safe Work Australia to find out more about how your workplace can get involved.
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.
