Free training to empower brokers in WA workers' comp changes

Guide for medical practitioners also released

Free training to empower brokers in WA workers' comp changes

Workers Compensation

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WorkCover WA has rolled out a new online training course aimed at insurance brokers working within the Western Australian workers’ compensation system.

The course, “Foundations of Workers’ Compensation: Insurance Brokers,” is designed to equip brokers with essential knowledge about the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 and its implications for their work.

Online training for insurance brokers

The training is available for free on WorkCover WA’s online education portal. Brokers who complete the program will receive a certificate of achievement.

WorkCover WA encourages brokers involved in workers’ compensation services to complete the course to stay informed about the latest regulatory changes and service expectations.

This new training program complements recently launched courses for other key stakeholders, including workplace rehabilitation providers and claims managers.

Support guide for treating medical practitioners 

In addition to the broker training, WorkCover WA has released a guide for medical practitioners involved in the treatment of injured workers.

The publication, “Workers Compensation and Injury Management: A Guide for Treating Medical Practitioners,” provides detailed guidance to help doctors support injured workers’ recovery and return to work

The guide outlines several responsibilities for general practitioners, including:

  • diagnosing injuries and coordinating care;
  • reviewing the worker’s condition and determining capacity for work;
  • communicating with employers about return-to-work plans; and
  • referring workers to rehabilitation services as needed.

The 2023 legislation reinforces the right of injured workers to choose their treating doctor and outlines the roles and limitations of medical practitioners in the compensation process. For example, doctors are expected to offer opinions on medical conditions related to reported workplace incidents but are not responsible for determining the validity of a worker’s claim.

Practitioners are encouraged to work closely with employers to develop and implement return-to-work strategies that align with the injured worker’s capacity and the workplace’s requirements.

Resources, such as certificates of capacity and guidelines for addressing work-related mental health conditions, are also included to support healthcare providers. They align with Gallagher’s recently released blueprint for psychosocial risk management, something that could help insurers and brokers who are seeking to better understand and support their clients in navigating these challenges.

The guide and supporting materials, including a clinical framework for injury management, are available on WorkCover WA’s website.

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