From 1 July 2012, WorkCover’s existing levy system will be replaced with a new employer payment system which changes the way payments are calculated for some registered employers.

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Our November issue of Newslink has just been released with features including:

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WorkCoverSA is accepting applications for the 2012 Industry Scholarship Program.

The program is designed to encourage and support people working in the South Australian workers compensation industry to undertake study within the developing framework of industry specific qualifications.

Click here for more information

In April-May 2011, WorkCover conducted employer and injured worker satisfaction surveys to measure progress against the benchmark survey conducted in 2006.

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WorkCover began a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholders in late 2010, seeking input into the design of a proposed new approach to employer payments for South Australia. Based on the outcomes of this consultation process WorkCover has developed a Position Paper on the proposed new approach.

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Circulated to businesses and rehabilitation providers across the state, Newslink is your guide to what’s new with workers compensation in South Australia.

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In mid-2010 the WorkCover Board initiated an independent review to assess the use of vocational rehabilitation services in the WorkCover Scheme. In addition, the Board agreed a new Strategic Direction 2011-16 which has a clear focus on delivering the best outcomes for injured workers, employers and the South Australian community.

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WorkCover is exploring two related approaches within a new employer payment system in South Australia.

For more information please click here

 Permanent impairment assessors – applications now open

Permanent impairment assessor accreditation – applications now open

The December issue of Newslink is out now, packed with news and issues around workers compensation in South Australia. Newslink is a free publication that provides guidance, information and inspiration for employers, return to work coordinators and health providers.

Featured this issue are two winners of the Recovery and Return to Work Awards, who open up about the challenges they faced on the way back to the workplace. You'll also find advice on managing difficult behaviour at work, ways to assess your workplace's return to work culture, and much more.

This issue is also available as an online flip-book. To subscribe to the online edition of Newslink, email the editor at newslink@workcover.com

In April 2010, after extensive analysis and stakeholder consultation, the WorkCover Board Regulations Review Committee endorsed a new set of regulations to underpin the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (the Act).

In June 2010 Cabinet approved the new Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Regulations 2010.

The new regulations commenced on 1 November 2010.

WorkCover has produced A guide to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Regulations 2010 to provide more detail on each individual amendment and to demonstrate how the names and numbers of the regulations will change. More information is available on the WorkCoverSA Regulation Review page.

All of WorkCover's Acts and regulations can be accessed from the Legislation and regulations page.

A Request for Tender for website content management and design services for WorkcoverSA is now open. Tenders must be submitted by 5pm 1 December 2010.

WorkCoverSA requires a single service provider that can provide access to a content management system (CMS) and a service to make content updates to the Website; and strategic Website design services for the Website.

For more information, please see the following two documents:

Request for Tender (RFT) – Provision of Services - Website content management and design services [265KB]

Agreement for the Provision of Services - Website content management and design services. [205KB]

Additional questions for tenderers [50KB]

South Australian sufferers of asbestos related diseases will benefit from a funding grant to the Asbestos Diseases Society of SA (ADSSA) provided by WorkCoverSA.

The funding will enable ADSSA to employ a full-time social worker to provide tangible support to people affected by asbestos-related diseases as they battle with conditions which are both life-limiting and terminal.

The announcement came today as hundreds of people gathered to commemorate Asbestos Victims Memorial Day in ceremonies held at Kilburn and Salisbury on Friday 26 November.

WorkCover SA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Thomson, said that the organisation recognised the importance of providing support to the sufferers and family members of those battling diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

"This is an issue that will have increasing relevance to workers compensation given the decades-long latency period from exposure to asbestos to diagnosis".

"The epidemic of asbestos-related diseases is still spreading and will do for decades to come. For this reason, the support provided by ADSSA through the provision of their social worker will be invaluable," Mr Thomson said.

WorkCoverSA has provided sponsorship support to ADSSA since 2009 to raise awareness of the dangers associated with asbestos that still exists and to potentially reduce asbestos related exposure.

On Wednesday 15 September 2010, WorkCoverSA held it's fifth annual conference, 'Working today for a healthy tomorrow' at the Adelaide Convention Centre, attended by approximately 570 people. The conference highlighted that working is good for health and wellbeing, not just physically, but mentally and socially too.

A keynote presentation from the highly respected international speaker Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB discussed research into biophysical factors that play a fundamental role in illness, recovery, retention and probability of return to work.

John Marshall, a police officer from NSW also spoke about his inspiring story of returning to work after an injury and becoming an Australian Paralympian.

John Robinson, a congenital amputee, also inspired the attendees as he described the courage and determination that helped him overcome all obstacles from his disablilities to forge a successful career.

Concurrent sessions also provided an opportunity for delegates to share experiences, gain knowledge and engage with leaders in the field of workers compensation and injury management.

Please click here to view presentations from the conference

A manufacturing supervisor whose leg was dragged into a trolley loader and trapped for two hours suffering a severe laceration from hip to hamstring, and a boilermaker whose ankles were crushed under a falling 1300kg beam are just two of this year’s award winners.

The WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return To Work Awards aim to inspire and motivate others to achieve outstanding results in return to work and reward the efforts of injured workers, employers, health and rehabilitation providers, rehabilitation and return-to-work coordinators and case managers who have gone the extra mile.

The award ceremony was held Tuesday 14 September 2010 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and was attended by approximately 300 people including the Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon Paul Holloway, who said he was moved by the inspirational stories behind all of the finalists.

Here is the full list of winners:

To read the inspiring stories of the winners and finalists, please click here

What is RISE?

The Re-employment Incentive Scheme for Employers (RISE) supports employers to provide a job to injured workers who cannot return to their previous employer. Sometimes a worker’s injury makes it hard for them to do their old job but they are capable of doing a different job. By providing a job to an injured worker, an employer may be eligible for significant financial incentive and support. By participating in RISE employers will also have access to a pool of skilled workers who may be suitable for their industry. Providing an injured worker with a ‘second chance’ and an opportunity to return to meaningful and ongoing employment is an important step in their recovery.
Returning injured workers to the workplace is good for everyone.

If you’re an employer and would like more information, please go to the Employer RISE page.

If you’re an injured worker and would like more information, please go to the Worker RISE page.

If you’re a workplace rehabilitation provider (previously known as a workplace rehabilitation provider) and would more information, please go to the Health provider RISE page.

WorkCoverSA is proud to announce the launch of the 2011 Industry Scholarship Program.

The program is designed to encourage and support people working in the South Australian workers compensation industry to undertake study within the developing framework of industry specific qualifications.

WorkCover is now accepting applications from individuals interested in receiving one of the four scholarships that will be available in 2011.

More information is available from the WorkCoverSA Industry Scholarship Program page

WorkCover's online secure site services will be unavailable from 6pm Friday 20 August 2010 for approximately 24 hours due to scheduled maintenance.

Online secure site services are expected to resume at approximately 6pm Saturday 21 August 2010.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Minister for Industrial Relations Paul Holloway announced the appointment of Joanne Denley and Noelene Buddle to the WorkCoverSA Board on Friday 30 July 2010.

Ms Denley and Ms Buddle will replace outgoing Board members Tom Phillips and Barbara Rajkowska, who have both made significant contributions whilst serving on the Board during a period which has seen the implementation of legislative changes and improved Scheme performance.

Ms Denley is currently the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management at Bridgestone Australia and has previously held various board positions in the self-insurer sector of the workers compensation industry.

She has also been the South Australian representative on the executive of the National Self Insurers Association and a member of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Advisory Committee representing self-insurers.

Ms Buddle is currently a member of the Board of the South Australian Museum. Previously she was Executive Director of The Big Book Club Inc, Chief Executive Officer of the State Theatre Company of South Australia and General Manager of Austereo Adelaide.

WorkCover CEO, Rob Thomson, is also pleased to advise that current Board Members Peter Vaughan, Sandra De Poi, and Jim Watson have all been reappointed for three year terms effective from 7 August 2010.

The current Chair of the Board, Philip Bentley, has been reappointed Chair of the Board for a further two years from the expiry of his current term in August 2011.

Self Insurers of South Australia (SISA) Seminar - Closing the Loop, Tuesday 20 July 2010

Closing the Loop will be a cost-effective and interactive symposium of ideas and latest thinking, organised by self insurers for self insurers as well as the broader professional audience. Closing the Loop will explore the poorly understood interface between OH&S workplace wellness and workplace-based injury management.

Visit the Self Insurers of South Australia website for more information and to register.

Ai Group Work Health and Safety Conference 2010 - Preparing for the Future, Tuesday 25 May 2010

The Australian Industry (Ai) Group Work Health and Safety Conference 2010 - Preparing for the Future will bring to you an opportunity to consider national laws in the context of your local setting. It will also consider what the courts are currently telling us in relation to WHS prosecutions and the way in which employers can deal with breaches of WHS rules without falling foul of the Fair Work Act.

Please click on the link below for more information and to register:
ohsconference.aigroup.com.au

What is the new IT system, Cúram?

WorkCoverSA has replaced its ageing IT system with a new IT system called Cúram with most online services now resumed.

Cúram has been specifically tailored to support WorkCover's core business processes of return to work, claims management, scheme compliance, employer registration, levy collection and financial management. It will also allow WorkCover to adapt to changing business needs and improve customer service well into the future.

WorkCover and Employers Mutual staff have undergone extensive training in the new IT system however with any new IT system there is always a significant learning curve for all involved, so we do ask for your patience and understanding during this period.

Please note that with any new IT system, all times and dates are subject to change. Information updates will be communicated via this section of the website as required.

If you are a provider, this is what you need to know about Cúram

• If you use medical practice software to send WorkCover Medical Certificates (WMCs) to WorkCover, we anticipate some minor delays in WMC processing and payments of incentive fees as staff become more familiar with the new IT system.
• If you use WorkCover's ePPS (electronic invoicing) service to submit invoices electronically to WorkCover, you can resume using this service when you have received your new username and password from WorkCover.

If you are an employer, this is what you need to know about Cúram

• The online payment service on WorkCover’s secure site is now available.

If you are a self insured employer, this is what you need to know about Cúram

• EDI transmissions are currently suspended. WorkCover will contact you to advise when the service will resume.
• The service allowing collection of WorkCover Medical certificates (previously called Prescribed Medical Certificates) via the secure site is now available.
• The self-insured reporting tool previously on the secure site is no longer available. For further information please contact WorkCover's Self-Insured Return to Work Services Unit on (08) 8233 2505.

Who can you contact for further information?

• Employers should contact WorkCover's Service Centre on 13 18 55 or info@workcover.com
• Providers should contact Employers Mutual on (08) 8127 1100.
• Injured workers and other income maintenance recipients should contact their case manager.
• For general enquiries you should contact WorkCover’s Service Centre on
  13 18 55 or info@workcover.com

Provision of Claims Related Legal Services to WorkCoverSA - procurement process underway

WorkCoverSA and Employers Mutual require legal services in connection with their management and administration of the workers' compensation claims under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (SA).

A two stage procurement process, consisting of a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) and a Request for Tender (RFT) to appoint a panel of one or more suitably qualified and experienced legal practitioners or firms to provide those services over a three and a half year term is currently underway.

The first stage involves the EOI. Legal practitioners and firms will be invited to register and submit an EOI by sending an email to Sofi Paolo, Manager Technical Services at spaolo@workcover.com. The opening date for EOIs is Tuesday, 20 April 2010 with all EOIs required to be lodged with WorkCover by 2pm 14 May 2010.

In July 2008 the Government introduced a package of reforms to the WorkCover legislation. One of the reforms was restricting the use of redemptions.

A redemption is a lump-sum payment to cease your entitlement to income maintenance and reimbursement of medical and like expenses. A redemption is used to finalise claims only after all return to work options have been exhausted.

From 1 July 2010, redemption restrictions will apply to all claims regardless of the date of injury. For more detail on these restrictions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.

If you are interested in commencing redemption discussions or require further information please contact your case manager.

WorkCoverSA has reported a $148m improvement in its financial position and a drop in the average levy rate which will be welcome news for the State’s employers, with the release of new figures today.

Click here for more information

"You've got to like the work you do" says injured motorcycle mechanic - Craig Rehn's story

Keith motorcycle mechanic focuses on getting back to work after breaking his femur and heel. Continue...

Click here to view more real life return to work stories

Employers Mutual have today, Tuesday 23 March 2010, announced its intention to open two new offices in the regional areas of the Iron Triangle and the South East, and to pilot a part-time presence in the Riverland.

The decision to set up an ongoing regional presence was a logical extension to the work already done by Employers Mutual in the South East over the past 18 months, which saw a pilot project developed and implemented in consultation with a locally formed steering committee and workplace training provider Work Solutions.

The South East pilot project identified that the local presence significantly improved employer and injured worker access to information regarding workers compensation in the region. This initiative was so well received that Employers Mutual has decided to expand the Mount Gambier office, establish another regional office in the Iron Triangle and trial a pilot presence in the Riverland.

These plans align with the company's ongoing commitment to support employers and injured workers across the state. The local Employers Mutual staff will be able to assist injured workers, employers, health and rehabilitation providers and other stakeholders with practical information and advice regarding the workers compensation scheme.

A decision is yet to be made about where the office will be located within the Iron Triangle, which encompasses the area between Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta. This area has experienced significant growth in the mining and resources sectors, with further expansion expected to take place in the future so it makes sense to provide local support to employers and injured workers in the area.

In regard to the Riverland, there are some very specific workers compensation issues specific to that regional with some of the key challenges being a largely transient workforce with many from non-english speaking backgrounds.

Employers Mutual's expansion into rural and regional areas will continue to support positive return to work outcomes for all South Australians, including those in rural and regional communities.

For more information please contact Employers Mutual's Client Services Team on 08 8127 1400.

Expressions of interest for the second round of funding will close on 30 June 2010.

Click here for more information

On Thursday, 18 March 2010, Employers Mutual announced the appointment of its new General Manager – SA Operations, Greg Connor. Mr Connor brings to the role many years of experience in senior management roles, most recently as Chief Executive of Savings and Loans Credit Union.

Due to commence on 12 April 2010, Mr Connor’s appointment follows the departure of former South Australian CEO Anthony Fleetwood in September last year, who decided to return to a national role with Employers Mutual in the company's Sydney office.

In the interim period, the role of Acting General Manager - SA Operations has been performed by Carolyn Mounce, a senior member of the South Australian Employers Mutual management team. Carolyn has worked hard to provide leadership and ongoing stability for the business and for key stakeholders. Carolyn will continue in a senior management position with Employers Mutual following Mr Connor's appointment.

Both WorkCover and Employers Mutual remain committed to the development of positive relationships with stakeholders and the successful implementation of safe and effective return to work outcomes for South Australian workers and their employers.

WorkCover has released draft replacement regulations with an accompanying consultation paper seeking further feedback from stakeholders.

The consultation phase runs from Monday 18 January 2010 to Friday 19 March 2010 which is the final deadline for stakeholders to provide submissions on the proposed regulations.

Click here for more information

WorkCover Board Chair, Philip Bentley today announced that CEO Julia Davison has notified the WorkCover Board and the Minister for Industrial Relations of her intention to leave the role mid-year.

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WorkCover has launched a consultation period on employer incentives which is expected to last until the end of February 2010.

The initial consultation paper asks three questions:

• Do you think there should be any financial incentives for employers in relation to workers rehabilitation and compensation?
• What do you think about the proposed design principles?
• Do you have any specific ideas for employer incentives that encourage return to work?

New incentives consultation paper [152KB]

Feedback
We require your feedback on whether you think there should be any financial incentives for employers in relation to workers rehabilitation and compensation by 18 December 2009.

If you think there should be incentives for employers we require your feedback on the proposed design principles by 18 December 2009 so that they can be considered by the WorkCover Board in January 2010.

If there is support for financial incentives for employers, there will be further consultation on the details of incentive frameworks. This will require your feedback by the end of February 2010.

If you have some ideas for incentive models you are welcome to provide them at any time.

If you have any questions about the paper or the consultation process, please contact the WorkCoverSA Policy unit on (08) 8238 5751.

A man whose toes were amputated following immersion in a 540° molten metal bath and a young girl who severed an artery, two nerves and a tendon in her hand are two of the inspirational winners of this year’s Recovery and Return to Work Awards.

Click here to see video stories of the winners and finalists

Expressions of interest for the second round of funding are now open.

Click here for more information

Our annual report contains information about our performance and achievements during 2008-09, including claims and financial reporting.

Click here for more information

Presentations from WorkCoverSA's annual return to work and injury management conference held on Tuesday 15 September 2009 are now available.

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Read stories of scheme participants - injured workers, employers and other providers – that have worked well together for a successful recovery and return to work.

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At WorkCover we want to make sure that you receive a high standard of service from us.

Please help to sponsor 20,000 Year 10 students in South Australia to complete a Passport to Safety.

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