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Dear reader
Welcome to our August newsletter, keeping you up to date on our latest news and important information on the workers’ compensation and injury management scheme.
The recent COVID-19 lockdown tells us the pandemic will continue to be an issue in Western Australia. Thankfully, WorkCover WA remains well prepared to respond quickly to COVID-19 restrictions, to ensure the agency can still deliver key services to stakeholders.
We are fortunate to live in a State without restrictions currently in place, therefore final Arbitration hearings and Pre-Arbitration conferences continue as in-person hearings. Unless otherwise directed by the conduct Arbitrator, all
directions and interlocutory hearings remain telephone hearings. Conciliation conferences will continue to
proceed in-person.
Read on to find out more about how we continue to deliver services and engage with
our stakeholders.
FOCUS
NEW! Educational Videos
To support implementation of the Principles and Standards a two video Conversation Series has been produced to help Workplace Rehabilitation Providers understand and apply the service expectations. The first video provides an overview while the second video takes a more detailed look at the first three priority areas. Watch the videos to learn how the Principles and Standards will help to shape future outcomes for injured workers returning to the workplace.
OTHER NEWS
Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
Principles & Standards Breakfast Event
In support of the WRP Principles and Standards
On 29 July, WorkCover WA hosted an event for over 230 guests to officially launch the WRP Principles and Standards of Practice. Guests heard from a panel of industry experts who discussed the Principles and Standards and how they assist WRPs deliver high quality services to support injured workers returning to work. WorkCover WA staff look forward to delivering further events for all stakeholders in the near future.
Prosecution Update
Perth restaurant owner faces a substantial fine and an order to pay $45,000 in avoided premiums
A Perth restaurant owner is being prosecuted for failing to insure against liability to pay the costs associated with workplace injury. The employer believed workers’ compensation was included in their business insurances package but couldn’t produce the insurer’s Certificate of Currency for inspection. If you are an employer and haven’t received a valid Certificate of Currency from an approved insurer, you shouldn’t assume you’re compliant with your legal obligation to insure against the cost of injury in your workplace.
Registered Agents Renewal
Annual renewal of registered agents
Registered Agents and Independent Registered Agents are authorised to attend the Conciliation and Arbitration Services when representing parties to a disputed workers’ compensation claim. Both are approved and regulated by WorkCover WA and are required to adhere to a code of conduct and gazetted scale of costs. 181 Registered Agents and four Independent Registered Agents have recently been renewed for the 2021/22 period.
Hospital Service Charges
Public hospital fees for workers compensation patients 2021-22
Revised public hospital fees for compensable patients took effect on
28 July 2021.
These fees are regulated by the Department of Health under the
Health Services Act 2016.
A copy of the schedule is available on the WorkCover WA website.
WATCH
Our videos to learn about your rights, obligations
and entitlements as a worker.
VISIT
Our gpsupport website to find resources for health professionals assisting injured workers.
DOWNLOAD
Workplace Rehabilitation Providers Principles & Standards of Practice.
Events and Important Dates
Start of the Djilba Season
on the Nyoongar Calendar
1 August
Wear It Purple Day
27 August
WorkCover WA Conference
May 2022 (details to come)
