Here you will find the latest hot news from Les Birch
Hot News from Les Birch
Changes to the Workers Compensation Scheme in South Australia
Click here to go to the latest updates on the changes to the workers compensation scheme in South Australia
Click here to read the SA Unions Research project: Assessing the impact of changes to the workers' compensation law in South Australia
April 1st 2009 marks the implementation of the third round of legislative changes to the Workers Compensation Scheme in South Australia and include:
2009 pursuing a lump sum payment for permanent residual disability under Section 43 of the Act will be much tougherThis applies especially for those workers that have minor injuries, as there will now be a minimum threshold of 5% injury and the new guidelines drawn up by WorkCover will make it more difficult for injured workers to obtain a lump sum payment for permanent impairment.
Admittedly the unfortunate worker who suffers from a major permanent impairment will in all probability receive more compensation, however they will have to sustain significant injuries to do so.
Permanent Impairment Assessment
The introduction of a new system for assessing the degree of permanent impairment with a significant increase in the maximum amount payable to a worker from $230,982 to $400,000
Work Capacity Reviews
The introduction of work capacity reviews which assess whether a worker is well enough to return to work or increase their earnings. This review determines whether a worker is entitled to weekly payments beyond 130 weeks
The establishment of medical panels to provide for medical experts to make final and binding decisions on medical questions that arise in respect of a worker's injury.
The
WorkCover Ombudsman commenced operation on 1 July 2008
The Office of the WorkCover Ombudsman provides free advice and assistance to injured workers and employers who have a complaint about the way services are delivered in the South Australian WorkCover Scheme. It is an independent Office that investigates complaints about the operation of the WorkCover Scheme and reports problems with the Scheme to the Minister for Industrial Relations.
Role of the WorkCover Ombudsman
To receive, investigate and seek to resolve complaints from workers, employers and other interested parties about the way services are delivered in the WorkCover Scheme.
To investigate issues associated with the rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers, eg, employer obligations, delivery of rehabilitation services, breaches of confidentiality, provision of information, etc.
To review decisions to cease weekly payments to injured workers.
To identify problems arising from the operation or administration of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (SA).