WorkCover WA representatives will be visiting Kalgoorlie from Monday 16 June to Friday 20 June 2008 to help local stakeholders with worke rs’ compensation, injury management and return to work processes.

Local businesses, workers and general practitioners can gain advice from WorkCover WA on any specific issues they have in the processes to ensure they understand their obligations.

In the Goldfields-Esperance region in 2006/07, 1,849 injuries and diseases resulted in workers’ compensation claims – which is just over 35 claims per week. The most common industry associated with workers’ compensation claims in the region was mining (40.2%), followed by manufacturing (15.0%) and retail trade (9.0%)

All workers need to know they are covered if injured at work, which means employers must have workers’ compensation cover to the full liability. Injury management starts at the time of injury, and employers are the first contact point for an injured worker. Employers must also have injury management systems and return to work programs.

The injured worker, the employer and the general practitioner are the three key people in this process.

The visit was organised after WorkCover WA identified a specific need in the region to provide two key services:

1. Compliance/education to businesses on insurance obligations and injury management obligations
2. Customer assistance to general practitioners on completing paperwork correctly and their role in the process.

WorkCover WA representatives will also be meeting with managers and workers at some key mining companies, as well as workers who have any queries. This will show the level of support WorkCover WA can offer injured workers in the workers' compensation process including returning to work,  information, advice and program templates.

Our representatives are available to meet any local businesses or their staff to discuss any queries or concerns. WorkCover WA is the contact point to find out about their rights and responsibilities in the workers' compensation system.