WorkCoverSA

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WorkCoverSA (WorkCover Corporation of South Australia) is an authority established by the Government of South Australia through two Acts of Parliament, the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 and the WorkCover Corporation Act 1994.

By accepting liability for compensation payments, WorkCoverSA’s protection is extended to approximately 50,000 registered employers and around 430,000 employees in South Australia in the event of an accepted claim.

Legislation and governance

WorkCoverSA administers the 1986 Act. This Act establishes the South Australian Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (the Scheme) which provides for worker entitlements, rehabilitation and return to work, claims management, employer premiums and a dispute resolution system.

WorkCoverSA itself was set up by the 1994 Act, which sets out WorkCoverSA's objectives, powers, duties, functions, status and interaction with other bodies.[1]

WorkCoverSA is subject to the control and direction of Minister for Industrial Relations.[2]

WorkCoverSA has a Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor of South Australia, to monitor, influence and approve the overall direction and performance of the Corporation.[3]

Insurance and premiums

For workers of registered employers whose claims are accepted, WorkCoverSA can provide income maintenance in the event of incapacity for work, medical and vocational rehabilitation expenses, and return to work assistance.[4] Injured workers may be entitled to payment of:

  • weekly payments of income maintenance
  • medical and associated costs reasonably incurred as a consequence of the injury or illness, and
  • lump sum compensation for non-economic loss (permanent impairment).[5]

WorkCoverSA and its operations are funded by premiums paid by South Australia's employers and WorkCoverSA generates additional revenue by investing premium funds.[6]

Around 70 self-insured employers, and the State’s public sector agencies, hold the financial liabilities associated with their own workers compensation claims, and operate under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.[7]

Agents of WorkCoverSA

WorkCoverSA works with other agencies to ensure injured workers have the best possible recovery and return to work outcomes.

Claims management

WorkCoverSA’s claims agents manage claims from registered employers on WorkCoverSA’s behalf.

WorkCoverSA’s claims agents are Employers Mutual SA and Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation SA.

Legal advice and representation services

Adelaide law firms Minter Ellison and Sparke Helmore are the providers of legal advice and representation services to WorkCoverSA in relation to claims issues and disputes.

Occupational health, safety and welfare

SafeWork SA is responsible for administering and enforcing occupational health, safety and welfare and certain industrial relations laws in South Australia.

Workers compensation in Australia

In Australia, there are 11 main workers’ compensation systems, of which the Scheme created by the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act is one. Each of the eight State and Territories has their own workers’ compensation laws.[8]

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Legislation and Regulation". WorkCoverSA. Retrieved 1 October 2013. 
  2. ↑ "WorkCoverSA at a glance". WorkCoverSA. Retrieved 1 October 2013. 
  3. ↑ "Governance". WorkCoverSA. Retrieved 1 October 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Workers Compensation 2012". The Australian Workers' Union. Retrieved 29 May 2013. 
  5. ↑ "Workers Compensation". Legal Services Commission of South Australia. Retrieved 29 May 2013. 
  6. ↑ WorkCoverSA Annual Report 2011-12. WorkCover Corporate of South Australia. 2012. p. 10. 
  7. ↑ "WorkCoverSA at a glance". WorkCoverSA. Retrieved 1 October 2013. 
  8. ↑ Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand. SafeWork Australia. April 2012. p. 1. 
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