A recent Workcover WA Bulletin has been released, claiming that some employers are choosing to pay low cost workers’ compensation claims themselves and not processing them in accordance with current legislation.
Duty to submit a workers’ compensation claim
Regardless of the size of the claim, under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981, employers are required to claim under their policy of insurance with five days of receiving their worker’s claim for compensation and medical certificate (s57A).
However, we do accept that in some instances, injured workers may choose not to lodge a claim. When this occurs, Workcover WA advise that employers still should not discourage workers from doing so. There are potentially significant legal and financial issues for workers, employers and insurers in the event a worker ends up making a claim on an employer for any injury that has been managed outside the provisions of the Act and the policy of insurance.
Employer attendance at medical consultations
Workcover WA has also recently circulated a notice outlining employer attendance at medical consultations. Click here to read the notice.
Where to go for advice
For information and advice regarding Workers’ Compensation policy and claims, phone us on 08 9349 7900 today to get in contact with your broker or speak with one of our expert in-house Workers’ Compensation consultants. Alternatively, visit the WorkCover WA website here.