South Australia’s work injury insurance scheme has seen some changes coming into effect. From December 1st, 2024, there have been some adjustments to the Return-to-Work Act 2014 in South Australia. This is due to the passing of the Return to Work (Employment and Progressive Injuries) Amendment Act 2024 by the South Australian Parliament.
From this, there are two key amendments:
- It strengthens protections for workers returning from injury. The employer’s obligation to provide them with suitable employment will be extended. Additionally, this amendment focuses on the financial penalties for employers who do not comply with this. Self-insured employers, labour hire employers and host employers will be covered under these changes as well.
- It makes it easier for workers suffering from dust diseases and/or a terminal illness due to a work injury to access their entitlements sooner. These amendments define more clearly what it means when a worker’s condition has ‘stabilised.’ Hence, this is where they may seek a permanent impairment assessment and can now fairly calculate their financial support.
Injured workers will benefit from these changes as they create a more supportive work environment, and employers will have more clarity on their roles and responsibilities.
How will this affect you?
Self-insured employers can expect some affects to their businesses. Specifically, changes to do with recovery/return to work services and section 18 requirements. For private self-insured employers, “subsection 18(16c) now stipulates that the duty to provide suitable employment extends to each related body corporate in the group. If you are an agency or instrumentality of the Crown, subsection 18(16c) now stipulates that the duty to provide suitable employment extends to all such agencies or instrumentalities of the Crown” (SISA, 2024).
Labour Hire/Host Employers are now affected as “host employers must now cooperate with labour hire employers in the return-to-work process for injured workers” (SISA, 2024). This collaboration and support is crucial to ensure efficient reintegration of workers into the workplace.
To find out more information about these changes, visit the ReturnToWorkSA website.
How can we help?
Return to Work Coordination
In order to manage and navigate these changes to South Australia’s work injury insurance scheme, Recovery Partners offers a complete RTW Coordination service nationwide. Particularly, for businesses wanting to manage this process efficiently and with sensitivity to the needs of their employees, our RTW services deliver outstanding results with an overall RTW success rate of 99% for our customers.
Injury Reporting Centre
The Injury Reporting Centre (IRC) operates as a 24-hour service managed by our team of experienced allied health consultants dedicated to assisting injured workers. After an injury is reported, the IRC team will contact the injured worker so they can then take appropriate action. The team also liaises effectively among all parties, including you, your staff member, and other stakeholders such as insurers, treating doctors, and treatment providers. Therefore, the IRC can help those affected by these changes in SA report any injuries efficiently.
Want to find out more?
Our services are available nationwide. Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/