The Insurer and Self-insurer Principles and Standards of Practice outline WorkCover WA’s baseline expectations of insurers and self-insurers operating in the scheme.
The Claims Managers Capability Framework sets out the practices, skills and behaviours expected of claims managers in the Western Australia workers compensation scheme.
The Capability Framework translates the Insurer and Self-insurer Principles and Standards of Practice into observable practices and behaviours which claims managers should demonstrate when delivering scheme services.
Foundations of Workers Compensation: Claims Managers
This easy to navigate online course is designed to assist Claims Managers to improve their knowledge of the workers compensation scheme, and develop the skills required to optimise their performance and client service delivery.
The Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services (Clinical Framework) is an evidence-based guide designed to support healthcare practitioners delivering services to people with compensable injuries. Developed by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Victorian WorkCover Authority, this framework reflects contemporary research and has been widely endorsed by Australian workers compensation jurisdictions, as well as peak health associations.
WorkCover WA endorses the use of the Clinical Framework by medical and allied health practitioners delivering services to injured workers in Western Australia.
The Clinical Framework outlines five principles shown to deliver optimal recovery and return to work outcomes for injured workers.
- Measure and demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment.
- Adopt a biopsychosocial approach.
- Empower the injured person to manage their injury.
- Implement goals focused on optimising function, participation and return to work.
- Base treatment on best available research evidence.
We encourage you to use and share the framework with your colleagues, patients (injured workers), employers and workplace rehabilitation providers in working towards optimal outcomes in recovery and return to work.
Data directions under section 500 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 requires data and information relating to workers compensation policies and claims to be provided to WorkCover WA in the form, manner, and by any timeframes specified in WorkCover WA’s National Insurer Data Specification Guidelines.
WorkCover WA collects data periodically to monitor scheme performance and to set recommended premium rates. Premium rates data is collected through:
- Form WC12 – Statement of policies, premium, wages and claims
- Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December
- Form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June
- Form WC30 – Statement of premiums and expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation business
All Forms are to be submitted via WorkCover WA Online.
Guidelines
The Premium rates data – Guidelines describes data required by WorkCover WA of insurers and self-insurers to set recommended premium rates and monitor scheme performance. Licensed insurers and self-insurers are required to provide data as specified in this document.
Templates
Templates for reporting premium rates data are as follows:
- Form WC12 TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC12 – Statement of policies, premium, wages and claims. - Form WC20 Mid Financial Year TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December. - Form WC20 Full Financial Year TEMPLATE
Template for reporting form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June. - Form WC30 TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC30 – Statement of premiums and expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation business.
Sample data
Sample data to show how to complete the templates are as follows:
- Form WC12 SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC12 – Statement of policies, premium, wages and claims. - Form WC20 Mid Financial Year SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December. - Form WC20 Full Financial Year SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June. - Form WC30 SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC30 – Statement of premiums and expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation business.
WorkCover WA collects data periodically to monitor scheme performance and to set recommended premium rates. Premium rates data is collected through:
- Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December
- Form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June
- Form WC31 – Statement of expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation claims.
All Forms are to be submitted via WorkCover WA Online.
Guidelines
The Premium rates data – Guidelines describes data required by WorkCover WA of insurers and self-insurers to set recommended premium rates and monitor scheme performance. Licensed insurers and self-insurers are required to provide data as specified in this document.
Templates
Templates for reporting premium rates data are as follows:
- Form WC20 Mid Financial Year TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December. - Form WC20 Full Financial Year TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June. - Form WC31 TEMPLATE
Template for reporting Form WC31 – Statement of expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation claims.
Sample data
Sample data for reporting premium rates data are as follows:
- Form WC20 Mid Financial Year SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC20 Mid Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to December. - Form WC20 Full Financial Year SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC20 Full Financial Year – Summary of cost of claims from July to June. - Form WC31 SAMPLE
Sample data to show how to complete Form WC31 – Statement of expenses associated with the writing of workers compensation claims.
Standard Employer Indemnity Policy – Coming soon
The basis of all workers compensation policies.
Premium and Industry Classification Review Guidelines
The Premium and Industry Classification Review Guidelines inform and guide employers, insurance brokers (and employer authorised representatives) of WorkCover WA’s processes and steps applicable to premium and industry classification reviews.
Policy and Coverage Cancellation Guidelines
The Policy and Coverage Cancellation Guidelines addresses the processes and steps to request approval to cancel a policy or employer coverage, where a joint policy holder arrangement exists.
Insurance Brokers Principles and Standards of Practice
The Insurance Brokers Principles and Standards of Practice outline WorkCover WA’s baseline expectations for insurance brokers operating in the Western Australian workers compensation scheme.
Template Injury Management System
This template will assist employers to devise an appropriate injury management system for their workplace.
Return to Work Program
This template will assist employers to devise an appropriate Return to Work Program collaboratively with the injured worker.
Workplace Rehabilitation Referral Form
This form can be used by workers, employers or treating medical practitioners to request a referral to a workplace rehabilitation provider.
Non-resident worker – incapacity declaration
This form is used to declare an injured worker’s incapacity when the injured worker does not reside in Western Australia.
Form 18: Notice of Arrangement of Audiometric Test
This form is used to notify a worker that an audiometric test has been arranged including the appointment details and pre-appointment requirements of the worker.
Form 410: Request for Baseline Full Audiological Assessment
Form used by employers to request a full audiological assessment of a worker.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss Claim Form
This form is to be used by workers to make a claim for noise induced hearing loss.
Learn more about making a claim for noise induced hearing loss.
Workers Compensation and Injury Management: A Guide for Employers
A comprehensive guide to assist you with your workers compensation and injury management obligations in accordance with the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Employer Essentials Fact Sheet
This fact sheet offers essential information to assist employers in meeting their obligations under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.
Uninsured Workers Compensation Claims Fact Sheet
This fact sheet outlines why having it is an obligation to have workers compensation insurance, and what happens when a worker is not covered following an injury at work.
Return to Work Employer Obligations Fact Sheet
This fact sheet outlines the obligations of the employer to assist an injured worker’s safe and sustainable return to work.
Legal Obligation Notice – Employers: Injury at Work
This fact sheet outlines the obligations and penalties for employers relating to injuries at work.
Policy and Coverage Cancellation Guidelines
The guidelines address the processes and steps to request approval to cancel a policy or employer coverage, where a joint policy holder arrangement exists.
A Guide to Noise Induced Hearing Loss
A comprehensive guide on your obligations regarding noise induced hearing loss.
Work related hearing loss claims – Employer and worker fact sheet
A fact sheet that outlines the process of claims for noise induced hearing loss for workers and employers.
NIHL Directory of Service Providers
A directory of approved hearing testers in Western Australia.
See the current list of registered independent agents.
Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024
Link to the Regulations on the Legislation website.
Registered Independent Agent Activity and Costs Record
This template assists Registered Independent Agents to compile ‘Activity and Costs’ records.
Registered Independent Agents: Information for Clients
This fact sheet provides essential information for clients of Registered Independent Agents
Client Acknowledgement of Costs
This template enables clients to confirm their acknowledgement and awareness of costs related to services provided by Registered Independent Agents.
Online lodgement
WorkCover WA provides an online lodgement facility for submitting applications for conciliation. An electronic version of the Application for Conciliation for use by unrepresented workers or uninsured employers, or when the online system is unavailable, is below.
Forms
Please note all forms need to be printed single-sided. Forms may be printed and completed by hand or electronically filled.
Application for Conciliation
Complete this form to apply to have your dispute dealt with by the Workers Compensation Conciliation Service.
Statement of Social and Financial Circumstances
Complete and lodge this form with the Application for Conciliation when applying for; additional income compensation; or a standard increase in the medical and health expenses general limit amount; or an increase for special expenses in the medical and health expenses general limit amount.
Application for Order for Insurer to Make Payment
Complete this form to apply to the Director for an order for an insurer to make payment where the employer was previously directed to do so by a Conciliator.
Notice of Representation
Complete this form to notify the Director of your appointment or cessation as a representative.
Notice of Multiple Respondents
Complete this form if there is more than one respondent to the dispute and lodge it with the Application for Conciliation.
Notice of Discontinuance
Complete this form to notify the Director that you wish to discontinue conciliation of a dispute
Memorandum of Consent to Finalising Order
Complete this form to notify the Conciliation Service of the orders the parties have consented to in order to finalise the dispute.
Application for Order and/or Assessment of Costs
Complete this form if you wish to apply to the Conciliator for an order and/or assessment of costs.
Online lodgement
WorkCover WA provides an online lodgement facility for submitting applications for arbitration. An electronically writeable and printable version of the appropriate application form for use by unrepresented workers, unrepresented dependants or uninsured employers, or when the online system is unavailable, is below.
Forms
Please note all forms need to be printed single-sided. Forms may be printed and completed by hand or electronically filled.
Application for Arbitration
Complete this form to apply to have your dispute dealt with by the Workers’ Compensation Arbitration Service.
Application for Arbitration Workplace Fatality Compensation
Complete this application for a workplace fatality claim to be determined by the Workers Compensation Arbitration Service.
Application to Extend Time to Lodge an Application for Arbitration
Complete this form to apply for an extension of time to lodge an Application for Arbitration.
Statement of Social and Financial Circumstances
Complete this form and lodge with the Application for Arbitration when applying for additional income compensation or a standard increase in the medical and health expenses general limit amount and/or an increase for special expenses in the medical and health expenses general limit amount.
Reply to an Application for Arbitration
Complete this form to reply to an application for arbitration.
Certificate that Document was Given
Complete this form to certify you have given documents pursuant to the Arbitration Rules
Interlocutory Application
Complete this form to lodge an Interlocutory Application.
Notice Consenting or Opposing Interlocutory Application
Complete this notice to reply to an Interlocutory Application
Memorandum of Consent Order
Complete this form to seek consent orders from an arbitrator
Order for Production of Documents or Material
Complete this form and lodge it with an Interlocutory Application when requesting an order to produce documents.
Summons to Witness
Complete this form if you are seeking a summons to be issued by the Registrar or an arbitrator requiring the attendance of a person before an arbitrator.
Multiple Respondent Form
Complete this form if there is more than one respondent to the dispute and lodge it with the Application for Arbitration.
Notice of Representation
Complete this form to notify the Workers Compensation Arbitration Service of an appointment or cessation of representation.
Notice of Discontinuance
Complete this form if you wish to discontinue arbitration of the dispute.
Application for Order and/or Assessment of Costs
Complete this application if you wish to apply to the arbitrator or the Registrar for an order and/or assessment of costs.
Notice Consenting or Opposing Application for Order and/or Assessment of Costs
Complete this form in response to an Application for Order and/or Assessment of Costs.
Arbitration Order for Joinder of Party
Complete this form to give notice of an arbitrator’s order that another person be joined as a party to the proceedings.
A party to a dispute in the Workers Compensation Arbitration Service may appeal to the District Court of Western Australia against a decision of an Arbitrator. In any other case, leave to appeal may be granted where a question of law is involved.
An appeal to the District Court must be made within 28 days from when the Arbitrator provides the parties with the written reasons for the determination.
The District Court may affirm, vary, quash, substitute or make an addition to the original Arbitrator decision.
Accessing previous decisions
The jurisdiction or authority that deals with appeals depends upon when the appeal was made.
December 2011 - presentAppeals from the Workers Compensation Arbitration Service have been heard by the District Court of Western Australia. These decisions can be accessed via the eCourts portal.
Previous decisions of the Commissioner and Compensation Magistrate can now be accessed via WorkCover WA Online. Information about how to register for WorkCover WA Online can be found here.
November 2005 – November 2011
The Commissioner dealt with matters regarding:
- a novel or complex question of law referred by an arbitrator
- a question of law referred by a party to the proceeding before an arbitrator
- appeals against a decision of an arbitrator.
1994 – November 2005
The Compensation Magistrate dealt with:
- a novel or complex question of law referred by a review officer
- a question of law referred by a party to the proceeding before a review officer
- appeals against a decision of a review officer.
