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December 2012 In this issue: WorkCover announces new Chief Executive Officer WorkCover’s new claims agent arrangements Why experience rating benefits good employers
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December 2012
In this issue:
WorkCover announces new Chief Executive OfficerWorkCover’s new claims agent arrangementsWhy experience rating benefits good employers
2 December 2012
From the Chief Executive Officer 3
Employer news 4
WorkCover’s new claims agent arrangements 4
Greater choice for employers 4
The transition process 4
Claims agent look-up online 4
Why experience rating benefits good employers 6
Helping your business RISE to the occasion 8
Congratulations to superior performers 9
Provider news 10
Quarterly provider forums 10
On the hunt for PIAs 10
Musculoskeletal workshops designed for GPs 11
Clinical Framework’s five guiding principles 11
The benefits of work - a medical perspective 12
Communicating with healthcare providers (lift-out feature) 13
General news 15
Industry scholarship winners announced soon 15
Protecting our MFS firefighters 15
And the winner is … 16
Reaching new heights 18
Paying it forward 20
New online publications 22
Safety stars honoured 23
1 January 2013
New claims agent
contracts commence
1 January 2013
New legal agents
contracts commence
20 February 2013
Launch of the
WorkCoverSA Recovery
and Return to Work
Awards 2013
6 March 2013
Next Provider forum
presented by
Dr Saravana Kumar
2 December 2012
Contents
Stay tuned for more info in 2013
3December 2012
Welcome to the final edition of Newslink
for 2012. The last few months have been
very busy as we prepare to move to
two claims agents and two legal service
providers for the WorkCover Scheme.
In November, we announced our new
Chief Executive Officer, Greg McCarthy,
who commenced on 3 December. Greg
has many years of experience working in
the insurance and workers compensation
sectors. Greg was the Chair of the New
South Wales WorkCover Authority for eight
years and the New South Wales OH&S and
Workers Compensation Advisory Council
for 12 years. I look forward to working
with Greg over the coming months as we
continue to roll out significant reforms to
improve the WorkCover Scheme.
WorkCover’s transition to dual claims
agents is well underway. During September
2012, WorkCover contacted all registered
employers providing them with the
opportunity to nominate a preferred claims
agent for the 2013. All employers will be
notified in writing in the coming months
who their claims agent is. More information
on the transition process is provided in this
edition of Newslink.
In October 2012 we announced that from
1 January 2013, both Sparke Helmore
Lawyers and Minter Ellison SA/NT will
provide claims legal services for the South
Australian WorkCover Scheme. Engaging
the services of two law firms will broaden
the access to legal expertise. We hope one
of the benefits we will see is faster dispute
resolution for all parties involved.
Our WorkCoverSA Annual Report 2011-12
was tabled in Parliament on 18 October
reporting on our progress against our
Strategic Plan 2011-16. While the Scheme’s
performance was disappointing, it does
remain financially robust and secure.
We again have a strong positive cash flow
of $228.7 million, and this is the ninth year
in a row where we have had a positive cash
flow. We received a $96 million return on
our investment strategy and a $58 million
actuarial release on our claims liability.
The report shows the unfunded liability
has deteriorated further to $1.398 billion.
This is mainly due to economic conditions,
such as the discount rate, that are outside
of the Scheme’s control. These factors
have also impacted other Schemes across
the country.
The other major contributing factor
to the increase in liability has been an
increase in claims costs. This is why the
implementation of the new experience
rating system and multiple claims agents
is so important. Both these provide the
necessary financial incentives to improve
return to work outcomes which in turn will
improve the Scheme’s performance.
This year’s WorkCover conference and
the Recovery and Return to Work Awards
ceremony were both very successful.
We were very fortunate to have had
Michael Henderson, Nando Parrado
and Bruce Sullivan as our keynote
speakers at the conference and the
feedback from delegates was very positive.
This year’s Recovery and Return to Work
Awards had 11 winners and three judges’
commendations. The winners’ personal
stories showed us all what can be achieved
with commitment, determination and drive.
As I reflect on our achievements at
WorkCover over the last 12 months,
some of the highlights would certainly
be the introduction of the new Experience
Rating System, the announcement of dual
claims and legal agents contracts, the GP
Helpline and the 2012 Annual Conference
and Awards program.
2013 is shaping up to be a very important
year for our Scheme. I wish you all a very
safe, happy and injury-free festive season.
Gael Fraser
Acting Chief Executive Officer
3December 2012
From the Chief Executive Officer
4 December 2012
Employer news
4 December 2012
While the Experience Rating System provides an incentive for employers to improve their claims experience, the new claims agent contract provides greater financial incentives for the claims agents to improve return to work outcomes and longer-term performance of the Scheme.
5December 2012
Greater choice for employers
WorkCover’s current contract with
Employers Mutual SA as the sole claims
management agent for the South Australian
WorkCover Scheme will expire on 31
December 2012.
From 1 January 2013, the WorkCover
Scheme will have two claims agents,
Employers Mutual SA and Gallagher
Bassett Services Workers Compensation
SA. This new arrangement should deliver
better return to work outcomes for injured
workers, registered employers and the
WorkCover Scheme.
These appointments are the second
part of the major reform package that
WorkCover announced in 2012 to improve
the performance of the Scheme and follow
on from the launch of the Experience
Rating System.
While the Experience Rating System
provides an incentive for employers to
improve their claims experience, the new
claims agent contracts provide greater
financial incentives for the claims agents
to improve return to work outcomes across
all claims categories and therefore the
longer-term performance of the Scheme.
Under the new claims agent contracts,
WorkCover is required to assign an equal
share of employer portfolios to claims
agents for 2013. After 2013, employers will
have the opportunity once a year to elect
to change their claims agent. Employers
will be advised when nominations open
late next year. This option allows employers
to choose the claims agent that best suits
their business.
WorkCover’s new claims agent arrangementsImproving South Australia’s Scheme performance and return to work rates
The transition process
As part of the 2013 claims agent
allocation process, in September 2012,
each employer was invited to nominate
a preferred claims agent. Nominations
have closed and all employers are now
being advised who their claims agent
will be in 2013.
There are approximately 50 000
employers in the Scheme. Seeing that
an equal share of employer portfolios
is being allocated to each claims agent,
WorkCover has split the employer allocation
process into one of three transition groups.
This staged approach is to ensure minimal
disruption to employers and injured
workers so that a high level of claims
management services can be maintained
throughout the transition process.
Employers who have been allocated
Gallagher Bassett as their claims agent will
be notified in writing which transition group
they are in and the date their claims will be
transferred. These transfers are scheduled
to occur in early January, February and
March 2013.
The arrangements for employers staying
with Employers Mutual should continue
unchanged. Employers Mutual will notify
employers directly if there are any changes.
Note: If any new WorkCover claim
is submitted for an employer who is
transferring to Gallagher Bassett, those
claims will be managed by Employers
Mutual until they are transferred.
Will these changes affect the employer’s
premium? The approach to calculating
the employer’s annual premium is not
impacted by this change. Employers should
continue to lodge their remuneration and
reconciliation returns by 31 July each year.
Employers will continue to receive their tax
invoice in August each year.
Claims agent lookup online
WorkCover has set up a Claims
agent lookup facility on its website
(www.workcover.com) to help employers,
injured workers and health providers to
look-up who the employer’s claims agent
is. The facility only requires you to enter
an employer number, claim number or
employer name. This can help ensure
invoices and correspondence are sent
to the right claims agent so as not to
unnecessarily delay any processing
of claims.
For more information on the claims agents visit their websites:www.employersmutual.com.au/south-australiawww.gallagherbassett.com.au
Further information
If an employer requires further information
on the claims agent transition process,
please visit the WorkCover section at
www.workcover.com or phone WorkCover
on 13 18 55.
6 December 2012
On 1 July 2012 WorkCover introduced
experience rating which is the new fairer
approach to calculating premiums for
South Australian employers registered
under the WorkCover Scheme. This
system ensures experience rated
employers (medium to large) pay a
premium that is based on their workers
compensation claims experience,
good or bad.
Who does it impact?
Experience rating only applies to
employers who pay $20 000 or more in a
base premium and those who pay a total
of $300 000 or more in staff remuneration.
Of the 50 000 registered employers in
the WorkCover Scheme, the Experience
Rating System applies to around 5000 of
those employers. That equates to one in 10
South Australian employers. However, it is
these 5000 employers who are responsible
for approximately 75 per cent of claim
costs against the Scheme each year which
impacts every registered employer. That is
why it is so important to have a system that
encourages those employers who have the
greatest potential to influence claims costs
against the Scheme.
Why has WorkCover implemented this system?
The new system provides experience
rated employers with a financial incentive
to focus more attention on the health
and safety of their workers and, where an
injury does occur, supporting the injured
worker back to work quickly and safely.
The premium the employer pays is directly
linked to their claims performance.
Why experience rating benefits good employersDispelling some of the myths and misconceptions
How many experience rated employers have had a decrease in their premium?
Nearly two in three employers who
are experience rated have received a
reduction in their premium, compared
to what they would have paid if they had
remained industry-rated under the previous
system (see graph one). These employers
are paying less because their claims
performance experience is better than
their industry average. One in three
employers have received an increase in
their premium and this is mainly due to
their poorer claims history.
Other factors that would have contributed
to a premium increase are that an
employer’s remuneration increased
(i.e. their business has grown); a change
in their industry classification because
the nature of their business has changed;
or their overall industry claims performance
has deteriorated so their industry rate
has increased.
This Experience Rating System is about
rewarding the employers who have a
positive claims performance history with a
reduction in their premium. Those with a
bad claims performance will pay more.
This new approach to premium
calculation does not collect any more
premium than what would have been
collected under the old levy system.
So why the changes? The new approach
should encourage employers to
concentrate on injury prevention and
improve claims performance to ultimately
reduce claims costs made against the
Scheme. This will in turn improve the
performance of the Scheme.
7December 2012
How can employers influence the premium they pay?
WorkCover is strongly encouraging
employers to focus more on injury
prevention and, where an injury does
occur, to support their injured worker back
to work quickly and safely. If performance
improves it can have a positive impact on
the annual premium employers pay.
Experience rated employers have the
power to influence the premium they pay
and the greatest potential to impact the
industry premium rates, both up or down.
If an employer can turn around their claims
performance, not only will it have a positive
impact on their individual premium, it
should contribute to lowering the overall
industry premium rates.
Transitional arrangements are in place to
protect employers from any significant
changes in premium. This means that an
employer’s premium rate will not change
(up or down) by more than 25 per cent from
one year to the next for the period from 1
July 2012 until 30 June 2016, although it
does allow for changes in remuneration.
WorkCover’s new Experience Rating
System is about getting the best possible
outcomes for workers, employers and
the Scheme. Both Houses of Parliament
understood this when they passed the
legislation required for experience rating in
December 2011.
For more information about the Experience
Rating System, visit the Employer section
at www.workcover.com.
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Construction
Electricity, Gas and Water
Finance, Property and Business Services
Manufacturing
Mining
Public Administration and Defence
Recreation, Personal and Other Services
Transport and Storage
Wholesale and Retail Trade
Decrease IncreaseNo
change
167 67%
2 50%
359 54%
599 69%
7 70%
235 72%
639 61%
55 65%
1 50%
345 70%
297 67%
587 65%
30% 262
30% 3
28% 92
39% 411
35% 29
50% 1
30% 149
33% 146
35% 321
46% 304
33% 84
50% 2
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Communication
Community Services
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
The new system provides experience rated employers with a financial incentive to focus more attention on the health and safety of their workers and, where an injury does occur, supporting the injured worker back to work quickly and safely.
Graph one: Experience rated employers’ premiums (decreases and increases)
8 December 2012
Helping your business to the occasionHow the Re-employment Incentive Scheme for Employers can benefit your business
The Re-employment Incentive Scheme
for Employers (RISE) is a program that
supports employers who can provide a
job to an injured worker.
Sometimes a worker’s injury makes it
difficult for them to return to their previous
job for various reasons although they are
capable of doing a different job with a new
employer. By providing a job to an injured
worker, an employer may be eligible for a
significant financial incentive and support
through WorkCover’s RISE program.
Employers will also have access to a pool
of skilled workers who may be suitable for
your 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.
The benefits to the employer include:
• reimbursement of 40 per cent of gross
wages for up to the first 52 weeks of
employment
• access to support from a workplace
rehabilitation provider to ensure the
transition into the new job is smooth for
the worker and employer
• consideration of payments to cover costs
such as minor workplace modifications
and equipment to assist the worker.
If you have a job vacancy, consider sourcing
someone from this program. The worker’s
workplace rehabilitation provider and/or
case manager will ensure the injured
worker has their doctor’s approval to
undertake the job before they apply for
the vacancy.
The case manager, workplace rehabilitation
provider or doctor may ask for a detailed
job description or workplace visit to clarify
vocational and functional demands of the
job. If you are interested in the worker,
you and the worker can meet and if you
decide to employ them, the workplace
rehabilitation provider will arrange approval
for RISE benefits and supports.
For further details on the RISE program
and an application form, visit the Employer
section at www.workcover.com.
9December 2012
WorkCover is pleased to announce that
10 self-insured employers have achieved
superior performance against the Natural
Consequences Model.
The model, which provides guidance
on the terms of renewal or granting of
a self-insurance registration in South
Australia, describes the additional
performance expectations necessary to
achieve a maximum renewal outcome
and is designed to encourage superior
performance.
Self-insured employers who achieve
superior performance must have
documented programs in place to
demonstrate:
• executive level engagement in
occupational, health, safety and welfare
(OHSW) and injury management
• a positive OHSW and injury management
culture and climate
• continuous improvement in OHSW and
injury management programs.
The following self-insured employers
have achieved maximum renewal terms
of three years:
Crown
Forestry SA
Private
Premium Wine Brands Pty Ltd
University of Adelaide
Intercast & Forge Pty Ltd
ANZ Banking Corporation
Santos Ltd
Drakes SuperMarkets Pty Ltd
Inghams Enterprises Pty Ltd
Treasury Wine Estates Vintners
Utilities Management Pty Ltd
For more information about becoming
self-insured and the Natural Consequences
Model, visit the Employer section at
www.workcover.com.
Congratulations to superior performersWho are our superior performing self-insured employers?
The model ... describes the additional performance expectations necessary to achieve a maximum renewal outcome and is designed to encourage superior performance.
10 December 2012
Would you like to become an accredited
permanent impairment assessor
(PIA)? WorkCover is seeking medical
practitioners who may be interested in
becoming an accredited PIA.
Accredited PIAs play a valuable role in
the assessment of injured workers. They
ensure that an objective, fair and consistent
method is applied when evaluating levels
of permanent impairment for injured
workers who are entitled to a lump sum
compensation.
Accredited PIAs assess injured workers
and prepare assessment reports, which
comply with the WorkCover Guidelines.
They may receive referrals for assessment
of permanent impairment from a number
of agencies including WorkCover’s claims
agents, self-insured employers or workers’
representatives.
To be accredited you must be a legally
qualified medical practitioner, meet the
eligibility criteria and:
• undertake training in the WorkCover
Guidelines for the evaluation of
permanent impairment
• successfully complete body systems
competency-based exams
• undertake impairment assessments and
provide reports in accordance with the
WorkCover Guidelines.
To obtain information, including details
of the eligibility criteria, cost of training
or an application package, email
[email protected] with your request
and contact details or call (08) 8238 5727.
Applications for the next round of PIAs
closes Friday 1 March 2013.
For more information on becoming a
PIA visit the Health provider section at
www.workcover.com.
On the hunt for PIAsWorkCover is searching for permanent impairment assessorsProvider
news
Clinical Framework’s five guiding principlesSupport for practitioners in their management of injured workers
WorkCover supports the adoption of the
Clinical Framework for the delivery of health
services. The Clinical Framework outlines a
set of five principles to guide allied health
service delivery and support practitioners in
their management of injured workers.
This framework has been supported
by all Australian workers compensation
authorities and reflects the most
contemporary approach to injury
management incorporating recent
developments in evidence-based
practice and use of objective outcome
measurements in clinical practice.
1. measure and demonstrate the
effectiveness of treatment
2. adopt a biopsychosocial approach
3. empower the injured person to
manage their injury
4. implement goals focused on
optimising function, participation
and return to work
5. base treatment on best available
research evidence.
For a copy of the Clinical Framework
visit the Health provider section at
www.workcover.com.
11December 2012
Quarterly provider forumsFree forums feature experts in their field
On 6 November 2012, WorkCover
presented the first of its quarterly
education forums for allied health and
workplace rehabilitation providers
involved in the management of injured
workers. ‘Recover better at work –
evidence to practice’ was delivered by
Dr Mary Wyatt, occupational physician.
Dr Wyatt presented contemporary
evidence-based research supporting the
health benefits of work. She emphasised
why providers should feel well supported
in assisting injured workers to remain at
and return to work and function, as an
absolute priority. Dr Wyatt also explored
the importance and need for timely and
skilled ‘conversations’ that providers must
have with injured workers to facilitate their
understanding of the value of work for their
health and recovery.
WorkCover’s next free forum will be
presented by Dr Saravana Kumar on
Tuesday 6 March at 4.45pm.
Dr Kumar is Senior Lecturer at the
School of Health Sciences, University
of South Australia and Deputy Director
at the International Centre for Allied
Health evidence (iCAHE). He has a keen
interest in quality measurement and
evaluation of health service delivery.
His interests also include research into
bridging the gap between research
evidence and clinical practice.
Bookings can be made online at
www.workcover.com (refer to the
Health Provider menu on the home page).
Numbers are limited so register early.
Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) hour eligibility may apply for some
professional groups.
WorkCover recognises that GPs who
treat WorkCover patients provide
a valuable service, both to injured
workers and to the community as a
whole. Working in partnership with the
South Australian Postgraduate Medical
Education Association, WorkCover is
offering support to GPs through the
development of a continuing professional
development (CPD) education program.
Next year WorkCover is presenting a series
of interactive musculoskeletal workshops
to provide GPs with a framework and
systematic approach to increase their
skills and knowledge on common
musculoskeletal problems in their general
practice. Each two-hour workshop is
accredited with the Royal Australian
College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
for four Category 2 points.
You have the option of registering and
attending all three workshops, where
this has been accredited with RACGP
for 40 Category 1 points. Predisposing
and reinforcing activities will need to be
completed for this option.
The workshops planned for next year are:
• March 2013: Back Management
• April 2013: Upper Extremity
Management
• May 2013: Lower Extremity
Management
For further information regarding our
upcoming education workshops, please
contact WorkCover’s GP Helpline by
phone on 1800 180 545 or email
Musculoskeletal workshops designed for GPsContinuing professional development education for general practitioners
12 December 2012
The benefits of work - a medical perspectiveDr Robin Chase discusses the AFOEM’s landmark document
The following article was provided by Dr Robin Chase, MBBS DPH FAFOEM (RACP) FFOM (RCP Ireland) Honorary Past President,
Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
For more information about Realising the Health Benefits of Work,
visit The Royal Australasian College of Physicians website at
www.racp.edu.au/page/afoem-health-benefits-of-work.
We all know that work is bad for us, don’t we? Those of us who work in the field
of occupational health and safety see the adverse effects of work almost every day.
Our lives revolve around learning more about how to reduce the hazards and risks
at work, and to reduce the mortality and morbidity of work. Yet, there is convincing
evidence that in general, being out of work is even worse.
Work is one of the great social determinants of health. For those who have been
off work for more than six months, there are increased rates of overall mortality
and specifically increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and suicide. The
unemployed have poorer general health, a greater susceptibility to respiratory tract
infections, have poorer mental health and psychological wellbeing and a general
increase in somatic complaints. They ‘enjoy’ higher rates of medical consultations,
medical consumption and hospital admissions. The children of parents out of work
suffer too, with decreased educational opportunities, poorer health and substantially
reduced long-term employment prospects.
General practitioners bear the brunt of these ill-effects. They are the first point of
call for many of these people, and any general practitioner who works in an area
with high unemployment would recognise the above as it would be part of his or
her daily practice.
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, of the Royal
Australasian College of Surgeons, prepared a landmark document for Australia and
New Zealand, Realising the Health Benefits of Work. Based upon research from
around the world, particularly the United Kingdom, this evidence-based document
shows that early return to work has significant physical and psychological health
benefits for injured workers as well as those who have been unemployed for long
periods of time. The faculty has continued to build upon this with ongoing policy
development about what is ‘good’ work, because there is also no doubt that ‘bad’
work has devastating health effects. The faculty has been working with the Royal
Australasian College of GPs and the Royal New Zealand College of GPs to enable
general practitioners to allow injured or disabled people to return to work, and the
faculty is currently working with the Federal Government to try to develop a National
Vocational Rehabilitation Policy.
12 December 2012
13December 2012
• Provide a copy of the worker’s current medical authority• Specify the reason for requesting the report• Ensure that your questions are specific and relevant• Ensure that the health care provider has relevant information• Offer the opportunity for the health care provider to contact you
Please see overleaf for a detailed guide
• Respect and support the recommendation of the health care provider• Follow up all requests for aid, treatment, equipment or rehabilitation support
• Prepare before you call the health care provider• Call the practice location where the injured worker sees the health care provider• Introduce yourself to the receptionist or practice manager• Consider sending a fax or equivalent written information• The health care provider may not have all the information available at the time• Advise the health care provider that they are able to charge for talking to you• Keep it brief and concise• Share information
14 December 2012
The following free information support services are available: If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment you can call WorkCoverSA through the
National Relay Service (NRS). TTY users can phone 13 36 77 then ask for 13 18 55. Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech) users can phone 1300 555 727 then ask
for 13 18 55. Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 13 18 55. For languages other than English call the Interpreting
and Translating Centre (08) 8226 1990 and ask for an interpreter to call WorkCoverSA on 13 18 55. For Braille, audio or e-text call 13 18 55. The information in this
publication is compiled by WorkCover Corporation of South Australia. The data and facts referred to are correct at the time of publishing and provided as general
information only. It is not intended that any opinion as to the meaning of legislation referred to is to be relied upon by readers. You should seek independent or
legal advice as to any specific issues that are relevant to you, your workplace or organisation.
© WorkCover Corporation of South Australia, 2012. 2495_PR Published 10/12
WorkCoverSAEnquiries: phone 13 18 55 400 King William StreetAdelaide SA 5000Fax:(08) 8233 [email protected]
Getting the best out of communication with
medical professionals will ensure you get the
best outcome for the injured worker.
In order to effectively communicate with
treating medical practitioners, bear in mind:
• Health care providers primarily understand
clinical issues and have large workloads.
Urgency is usually decided upon on clinical
grounds. Other paperwork may not be
considered urgent.
• Time management is critical –
a minute matters.
• Health care providers are unlikely to have
an in-depth understanding of the workers
compensation system.
• Be clear and to the point.
• Ensure all contact with health care
providers is positive and helpful. Ensure
that the next case manager who requires
assistance from the health care provider
also has the opportunity to have a positive
and helpful interaction.
All communication with health care providers
must occur with the following consideration:
Telephone contact
• Prepare before you call the health
care provider – have a clear understanding
of what you want to get out of the
conversation. Have a check-list or outline
of the questions you want answered,
including a brief recap of past issues
should this be required. This will help
focus the conversation.
• Call the practice location where the
injured worker sees the health care
provider or where they have ready
access to the worker’s file.
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist
or practice manager and state who you
are representing prior to asking to speak to
the health care provider. Ask the receptionist
or practice manager if now is a convenient
time to call or if an appointment time can
be made. Advise if there is any urgency
(give time frame) and if there are relevant
issues for the health care provider or injured
worker, e.g. “this call relates to proposed
surgery/treatment/account payment which
I am hoping to fast-track”.
• Consider sending a fax or equivalent
written information with relevant worker
details, your contact details and a copy of
the worker’s current medical authority to
release information.
• The health care provider may not have
all the information available at the time
of the call so ensure you have all the
relevant information at hand (such as
worker’s name, date of birth, date of
injury, what the claim is accepted for,
claim number, brief summary of the claim).
• Advise the health care provider that
they are able to charge for talking to
you under the appropriate item number.
• Keep it brief and concise – state the reason
for your call and the intended outcome
of the conversation. Focus on the most
important issue first, then check if there
is still time to address other issues. The
type and amount of information requested,
as well as the timing of the request, should
be appropriate to the situation.
• Share information about the claim that may
impact on or be helpful to the progress and
outcome of the claim (e.g. industrial issues,
when duties become available).
Medical reports
A medical report is a clinical opinion
responding to specific questions and can
be requested by the claims agent or by the
worker’s representative.
• Provide a copy of the worker’s current
medical authority to release such
information with the written report request.
• Specify the reason for requesting the
report (e.g. if the report is to help claim
determination then state “I am requesting
a report from you to assist me in making a
decision on accepting the claim”), and the
urgency of the request.
• Ensure that your questions are specific
and relevant to the claim and purpose of
the report, generally no more than eight
questions. Ask only what you need to know.
• Ensure that the health care provider
has relevant information. Provide
background information as well as the
latest information on availability of duties
and relevant workplace issues and
relationships. Be brief. Long letters or
reports that are not directly relevant may
not be read, and may require a summary.
• Offer the opportunity for the health care
provider to contact you.
Approve costs
• Respect and support the recommendation
of the health care provider where
reasonable.
• Follow up all requests for aid, treatment,
equipment or rehabilitation support services
as a matter of urgency. Delays in access to
any of these items could significantly delay
recovery and return to work and affect the
relationship with the health care provider.A quick reference guide poster is provided overleaf for you to pin up in your office
15December 2012
Generalnews
Six applications were received for the
2013 WorkCoverSA Industry Scholarship
Program which closed in October. The
program is designed to encourage and
support people working in the South
Australian workers compensation industry
to undertake postgraduate study within
the framework of industry-specific
qualifications.
Scholarships are offered for the duration of
the course with a maximum value of $15
000 per year of study. They are only available
to those undertaking the following Personal
Injury and Education Foundation (PIEF)
postgraduate studies:
• Graduate Certificate of Management
(Personal Injury)
• Graduate Diploma of Management
(Personal Injury)
• Master of Management (Personal Injury).
In their submissions, applicants were
required to demonstrate the gains they
would make from their studies and how
their employer and the Scheme would
benefit from their undertaking the selected
course of study e.g. sharing knowledge
and influence within the organisation or
among Scheme participants, or influencing
improved return to work and health
outcomes for the Scheme. The successful
applicants for the 2013 scholarship program
will be announced in the near future.
Industry scholarship winners announced soonPersonal Injury Management scholarships awarded for postgraduate studies
In October 2012, the Premier Jay
Weatherill announced that the State
Government would ensure Metropolitan
Fire Service (MFS) firefighters were
compensated for the high-risk work
they do.
In his address at the MFS 150th birthday
celebrations, Mr Weatherill said that people
working with dangerous materials are not
acknowledged for the risks they take and
it is time the Government protects those
firefighters who protect us. The United
Firefighters Union has advocated strongly
for this move.
MFS firefighters are often exposed to
dangerous chemicals and fire hazards in
the course of their daily employment and
scientific studies have demonstrated that
this occupational group is at greater risk of
developing certain types of cancer due to
direct exposure to hazardous materials.
South Australia will become the first State
to give additional protection to firefighters
exposed to higher cancer risk as a result
of their work. Through these changes
Australia becomes only the third country
in the world to recognise and compensate
firefighter cancer.
The Minister for Workers’ Rehabilitation,
Jack Snelling said a MFS firefighter
who develops a specific cancer will
be automatically covered under South
Australia’s Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Scheme. The Government
will regulate to have the measures in place
no later than 1 July 2013.
Protecting our MFS firefightersMFS firefighters will soon be compensated for high-risk activities
16 December 2012
The outstanding achievements of injured
workers and those who have helped
them to remain at or return to work were
once again recognised at this year’s
awards ceremony.
A cabinet maker whose fingers were cut
off when he caught his hand in a grinder
and a hospitality worker who tripped and
fell in a drive-through bottle shop causing
significant damage to his Achilles tendons,
were two of the deserving winners.
Over 300 people attended the
WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return to
Work Awards 2012 ceremony in September
at the Adelaide Convention Centre to
honour the nominees, finalists and winners.
All nominees for the Worker Achievement
category displayed an extraordinary level
of courage and determination to return to
work after receiving severe work injuries.
Everyone who attended the ceremony was
inspired by their stories, the challenges and
barriers they had to overcome from not just
a physical perspective but an emotional,
financial, social and psychological
viewpoint as well.
In the Employer Excellence category
for large or self-insured organisations,
Orlando Wines was awarded for their
holistic approach to injury prevention and
management, and Boandik Lodge, an
aged-care facility in Mount Gambier, shared
the accolades for their high level of manual
handling techniques and well established
occupational health and safety program.
Adelaide Industrial Labour Service Pty Ltd
won the award in the small to medium
employer category.
And the winner is….Eleven winners share accolades at this year’s Recovery and Return to Work Awards
Kerry Piotrowski from Orlando Wines
and Jackie Moore of Minda Incorporated
were joint winners in the Case and Injury
Management Excellence category, both
of whom focused on early prevention
and open communication to assist their
workers in their respective organisations.
The winner of the Health and Rehabilitation
Individual Achievement Award was Tim
Cocks, a physiotherapist with NB & A
Rehabilitation, who shared his philosophy
and innovative techniques in managing pain
and setting achievable return to work goals.
Rehabilitation and Return to Work
Coordinator, Houda Peters from the Master
Builders Association (SA), was recognised
for developing strategies to facilitate injured
employees back to work in the high-risk
building and construction industry.
Three ‘judges commendations’ were also
awarded to applicants whom the judging
panel felt deserved special recognition.
Vicky Machen from Paraquad SA, Hayley
Sandford from Employers Mutual SA and
Alison Gordon from Kimberly-Clark Australia
were all recognised for their contributions
and achievements.
This year’s awards were kindly sponsored
by Employers Mutual SA, Shop Distributive
and Allied Employees’ Association,
Business SA, Self Insurers of South
Australia, GM Holden, Minter Ellison
Lawyers, SA Unions, Deakin Prime and
Personal Injury Education Foundation.
For more information about the awards
program, this year’s winners and their
amazing stories visit the WorkCover section
at www.workcover.com.
All nominees for the Worker Achievement category displayed an extraordinary level of courage and determination to return to work after receiving severe work injuries.
Guests at the WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return to Work Awards 2012
17December 2012
Award Winners
Worker Achievement (small to medium organisation)
Trevor Barker – Kimba Hotel
Matthew Dohnt – Walls Bros Designer Kitchens
Vicky Machen – Paraquad SA (commendation)
Worker Achievement (large or self-insured organisation)
Nicolle Hahn – Hilton Adelaide
Simon Penley – RAA
Employer Excellence (small to medium organisation)
Adelaide Industrial Labour Service Pty Ltd
Employer Excellence (large or self-insured organisation)
Orlando Wines
Boandik Lodge
Case and Injury Management Excellence
Kerry Piotrowski – Orlando Wines
Jackie Moore – Minda Incorporated
Hayley Sandford – Employers Mutual SA (commendation)
Health and Rehabilitation Individual Achievement
Tim Cocks – NB & A Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Excellence
Houda Peters – Master Builders Association (SA)
Alison Gordon – Kimberly-Clark Australia (commendation)
Matthew Dohnt
Tim Cocks, winner of the Health and Rehabilitation Individual Achievement Award
The finalists and winners at the WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return to Work Awards 2012 with the Minister for Health and Ageing, John Hill
Kerry Piotrowski
18 December 2012
When Nando Parrado took the floor to
share his extraordinary and very moving
personal story, you could hear a pin drop.
Mr Parrado was one of the few survivors
of the 1972 Andes plane crash and his
riveting presentation was met with a
standing ovation.
Mr Parrado was one of the keynote
speakers at this year’s WorkCoverSA
annual conference. With 650 attendees,
it has been the most successful event in
the conference’s seven-year history. The
conference program was fully booked long
before the close of early bird registrations
in late July.
WorkCover’s Acting Chief Executive
Officer, Gael Fraser said that the 70 per
cent increase in sponsorship support, the
rapid registration sales and the record
attendance, all reflected both the calibre
of this year’s program and the value for
money the conference offered delegates.
Reaching new heightsHighlights from WorkCoverSA 2012 annual conference
“You would be hard-pressed to find a
similar program with the range of topics,
prominence of speakers and the level of
professionalism and that is why – despite
increasing the large room capacity – we still
had over 70 people on the waiting list when
registrations closed off,” Ms Fraser said.
The conference commenced with a
thought-provoking presentation from
corporate anthropologist, Michael
Henderson, who spoke about his ideas
on the role that workplace culture can
play in fostering positive attitudes for
return to work.
This was followed by a series of concurrent
sessions which covered topics on
organisational stress, building relationships
with medical professionals and the role of
pain in successful return to work.
Nando Parrado was the second keynote
speaker and according to the conference
survey feedback, was the highlight of
the day.
Ms Fraser said that Mr Parrado’s
presentation actively demonstrated how
resilience, courage in the face of adversity,
family and friends and a positive attitude
can help you overcome the most daunting
of barriers and conditions.
“While Nando’s story related to a truly
life versus death experience, conference
attendees could take great inspiration
from his story and relate to times in their
lives when they also had faced significant
challenges and barriers,” Ms Fraser said.
18 December 2012
Keynote speaker Nando Parrado telling his inspirational story at the WorkCoverSA annual conference
19December 2012
Feedback from conference delegates
included:
• Absolutely amazing speaker - His
experience was presented in such a
way that I don’t think I will forget it for
a very long time..!! Puts the day to day
issues we all face very much back into
perspective and also how differently we
all react to things.
• An exceptional and thought inspiring
presentation. If we could all have the
resilience of this man, there would be no
adversity we could not manage.
• Brilliant; the best of the best speakers
ever; no-one will ever hear anyone better.
In a class of his own. To be able to say
I was in the presence of one of human
kind’s great people will live with me
forever. Thank you WorkCover.
The afternoon concurrent sessions included
presentations on motivational interviewing,
the ageing workforce and how health and
wellbeing can optimise performance.
Bruce Sullivan was the last speaker
who won over the audience with his
enthusiasm to ensure the day concluded
on a high note. Mr Sullivan was rated as
the second highest regarded speaker of
the day according to the satisfaction survey.
The following comments by delegates
speak for themselves:
• Bruce was great, I am so glad I had
my team with me to share his insights.
He has given our workplace a new
vocabulary with which to describe and
engage each other and a couple of fun
ideas!! Thank you for introducing him
to us.
• Great way to finish off, so much
energy and so insightful, in a short time
I identified a need for personal change
and growth and walked away with things
to implement at work and at home to
improve relationships and outcomes.
• Exceeded my expectations - incredibly
engaging and motivating speaker who
was also quite hilarious. Fantastic choice
for closing the day.
WorkCover is very grateful to this year’s
sponsors: Employers Mutual Limited,
Minter Ellison, Deloitte, Curam, Qantas,
InterContinental Adelaide, SISA, GM
Holden, National Pharmacies, PIEF
and Deakin Prime.
Some of the conference presentations
are available on our website at
www.workcover.com > Workcover
> Events and sponsorships > Annual
conference.
19December 2012
Conference delegates participating in an interactive session from Bruce Sullivan Keynote speaker Bruce Sullivan presenting at the WorkCoverSA annual conference
20 December 2012
Thanks to the efforts of alumni members
and the donation of old computers from
WorkCover, the Catanduanes State
Colleges (CSC) in the Philippines now has
a new Student Resource Centre.
The project was initiated in January 2012
by one of WorkCover’s staff after a visit
to the small island. It was evident that
they were lacking in research facilities
for their students. The existing campus
computers were only used for instruction,
which meant that most students had to
use off-campus internet shops for their
assignments and research work.
WorkCover was able to donate 10 HP
Compaq 7600 computers to help set up
the resource centre. The project was also
made possible by the alumni association,
CSC Without Borders, who then started a
Facebook fundraising campaign to cover
the cost of shipment from Australia and the
purchase of screen monitors and a printer.
CSC Without Borders has 2300 members
worldwide. Many of them, all college
graduates including accountants,
engineers, nurses, midwifes, school
teachers, agriculturists, aquaculturalists,
IT programmers and technicians, now
live in overseas countries. Through their
remittances to their families back home,
they contribute to the local economy,
which has significantly changed the
economic landscape of the island over
the past 20 years.
Paying it forwardOld WorkCover computers find a new home in an island paradise
With the addition of the computers and
monitors, the new CSC Student Resource
Centre was officially opened in August
2012 by WorkCover’s own Celeste Valeza-
Williams. Celeste, one of the administrators
of the alumni group, spoke to invited
guests about the kindness that she
received in her youth at Virac and by paying
that kindness forward, the CSC would
now have modern facilities to support
student’s education through access to the
information superhighway.
“I asked today’s students to remember this
kindness so that they too will remember
those they leave behind on the island and
for them to continue the tradition of giving,”
Celeste said.
The Catanduanes State Colleges are
located in Virac on the small Philippines
island of Catanduanes. The island is only
1500 square kilometres (a third of the size
of Kangaroo Island) and is only accessible
via a one-hour flight from Manila or a
three-hour ferry ride from the mainland port
of Tabaco. The island, which is subject to
torrential monsoon rains, is covered with
lush forests and fringed with golden sandy
beaches and coconut palm trees.
The Catanduanes State Colleges were
converted to a university in October
2012 and provide kindergarten, primary,
secondary, tertiary, and post-graduate
education facilities. It accommodates
approximately 10 000 students for families
with an average income of AUD$220
per month.
The Catanduanes State Colleges, located in Virac on the small Philippines island of Catanduanes.
21December 2012
CATANDUANES STATE COLLEGES FEDERATED COLLEGE STUDENT COUNCIL Virac, Catanduanes
April 26, 2012
MS.CELESTE VALEZA-‐WILLIAMS Auditor CSC WITHOUT BORDERS
Madame: In behalf of the CSC Federated College Student Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks
and appreciation that your organization has chosen our student council to be the recipient of ten
(10) computer units. By this deed, we both reach a common goal, helping our school and the studentry as a whole by
providing those resources that may help lift the academic condition of our students thru this project.
I firmly believe that such noble undertaking shall inspire students to further pursue their dreams by
extending those help and thus making them competitively ready as they go out of college.
Lastly, I shall have a constant consultation with Sir Gerry Rubio in regards to the planning,
administration and implementation of guidelines on the proposed Students Resource Center.
Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely, ERIC P. AMARILLE FCSC President
21December 2012
22 December 2012
The following publications are now
available on the WorkCover website.
Workplace rehabilitation practice framework and workbook
In March 2011, WorkCover held a
workshop of over 40 participants attended
by principals and workplace rehabilitation
consultants from many of South Australia’s
contracted workplace rehabilitation provider
companies. The information gathered
was used to develop the Workplace
rehabilitation practice framework:
Guide and Workbook. For a copy of the
publication, visit the Health provider section
at www.workcover.com.
Workplace rehabilitation competency guidelines
The Workplace rehabilitation competency
guidelines have been revised to reflect
the Heads of Workers’ Compensation
Authorities National Approval Framework
for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers.
It includes staff management principles
which set minimum requirements for
consultant qualifications, professional
membership and workplace rehabilitation
experience. For a copy of the guidelines,
visit the Health provider section at
www.workcover.com.
New online publicationsUseful information for employers, health practitioners and injured workers
Statistical Reviews 2009-10 and 2010-11
The statistical reviews provide an overview
for each year of the extent, cost and
type of workers compensation claims to
stakeholders in order to create a greater
awareness of workplace injury issues
and provide an insight into the types and
patterns of claims experienced by the
South Australian Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Scheme.
Code of conduct for self-insured employers under the WorkCover Scheme (version 7) 2012
Self-insured employers should comply
with any code of conduct determined
by WorkCover under Subsection 60 (4)
(bb) of the Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 1986 and published in
the Government Gazette on 9 August 2012.
Work-related back pain study: measuring biopsychosocial risk factors
WorkCover has conducted a longitudinal
prospective study that assessed relevant
risk dimensions (using the ‘flags model’
of yellow, blue and black flags) and
determined the applicability of using
specific psychosocial tools and strategies
at acute to chronic stages of back injury
to identify key risk drivers of chronicity
over time. The project also evaluated the
accuracy of current risk assessment by
clinicians and the nature of and impact
of current treatment on long term health
and work outcomes. For a copy of the
discussion paper, visit www.workcover.com
and search the A-Z Directory under ‘W’.
Translated versions of WorkCover’s Injured at work booklets for workers
Injured at work? Part one: Recover better
at work orange booklet has been updated
and is now available in several community
languages. To download this publication,
visit our website at www.workcover.com/
workcover/community-languages and click
on the language you wish to view. The
Injured at work? Part two: Returning to
work and life green booklet has also been
updated in English and will be available in
other community languages in early 2013.
23December 2012
The stars of South Australian workplace
safety were honoured in October at the
2012 Safe Work Awards, an annual event
recognising businesses, organisations
and individuals who have strived to make
their working lives safer and healthier.
These awards showcase best practice
and highlight the creative thinking and
innovation South Australians bring to
occupational health and safety (OHS)
development. The Safe Work Awards
marked the closing event for Safe
Work Week, an annual national event
encouraging all workplaces to be involved
in safety to reduce workplace death, injury
and disease. The South Australian winners
will be entered into the National Safe Work
Australia Awards, to be announced early
next year in Canberra.
Safety stars honouredSafe Work Avward winners demonstrate best practice
This year’s winners were:
Best solution to an identified workplace
health and safety issue
• Staminalift International Ltd. The
Staminalift revolutionised health care by
eliminating manual handling tasks for
moving beds in hospitals. This device
is now used throughout Australia and
internationally.
Best workplace health and safety
practice(s) in a small business
• Harcourts Mile End demonstrated
excellence in developing practical yet
simple solutions to address worker
safety within the small business
environment.
Best individual contribution to workplace
health and safety (employee, such as a
health and safety representative)
• Rebecca Chapman, as Flinders Medical
Centre’s Medical Imaging Unit Health
and Safety Representative, worked
closely with employees and the
management team to improve health
and safety systems and operations.
Best individual contribution to workplace
health and safety (OHS manager or
person with OHS responsibility) -
joint winners
• Sue Newberry, Human Resources
Manager, MyBudget, balanced the needs
of an entrepreneurial business during a
phase of organisational growth with the
wellbeing of staff dealing with clients
experiencing financial difficulties.
• Tim Cotton, Safety Supervisor,
McMahon Services, as site safety
supervisor of demolition at the Adelaide
Oval Redevelopment, reviewed the
organisation’s OHS management
systems.
2012 Augusta Zadow Scholarship
• Dr Moira Jenkins of Adelaide University,
a clinical psychologist, will use the
$16 900 scholarship to develop a psycho-
educational program to help workers
with a psychological injury resulting from
workplace bullying or harassment to
return to safe work.
SafeWork SA Library & BOOKSHOP
www.safework.sa.gov.au
Ground floor, State administration Centre200 Victoria Square, adelaide Opening hours: 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
Library: (08) 8204 8877
bOOKSHOP: (08) 8204 8881
Specialising in work health and safety, industrial relations, workers compensation, rehabilitation and return to work, management, professional and personal development resource material.
0842
Winning smiles from (back row, left to right) Eric Hofmanis, Ken Bell and Peter March (Staminalift International), Sarah Williams and Mark Sheppard (Harcourts Mile End), (front row, left to right) Rebecca Chapman, Sue Newberry, Industrial Relations Minister Russell Wortley MLC, Tim Cotton
24 December 2012
WorkCoverSAEnquiries: phone 13 18 55
400 King William Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Fax:(08) 8233 2466
www.workcover.com
The following free information support services are available:
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment you can call WorkCoverSA through
the National Relay Service (NRS):
• TTY users can phone 13 36 77 then ask for 13 18 55.
• Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech) users can phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 18 55.
• Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 13 18 55.
For languages other than English call the Interpreting and Translating Centre (08) 8226 1990 and
ask for an interpreter to call WorkCoverSA on 13 18 55. For Braille, audio or e-text call 13 18 55.
The information in this publication is compiled by WorkCover Corporation of South Australia.
The data and facts referred to are correct at the time of publishing and provided as general
information only. It is not intended that any opinion as to the meaning of legislation referred
to is to be relied upon by readers. You should seek independent or legal advice as to any
specific issues that are relevant to you, your workplace or organisation.
© WorkCover Corporation of South Australia, 2012
2491_CC Published December 2012.
