Supporting Individuals That Have Been Injured at Work: Western Australia

In Western Australia, workplace injuries can have a significant impact on employees, their families, and the employer’s business as a whole. As an employer, it is essential to provide support and guidance to injured workers to ensure their safe return to work and minimise the risk of long-term disability. This how-to guide for employers will walk you through the workers’ compensation process in Western Australia and provide practical strategies to implement in the workplace that assist in supporting individuals that have been injured at work.

Step 1: Reporting and Notification

When an employee is injured at work, it is crucial to report the incident promptly and notify the relevant authorities. In Western Australia, employers must report work-related injuries to WorkCover WA within 7 days of the incident. This will initiate the workers’ compensation process.

Step 2: Workers’ Compensation Process

The workers’ compensation process in Western Australia involves the following steps:

• The injured worker submits a claim to WorkCover WA.
• The WorkCover WA assesses the claim and determines the level of compensation
• The employer assists with medical and rehabilitation support to the injured worker
• The injured worker returns to work or receives compensation for lost wages.

Step 3: Providing Support and Guidance

As an employer, it’s essential to provide support and guidance to injured workers to ensure their safe return to work. This includes:

• Providing medical and rehabilitation support
• Offering modified duties or temporary work arrangements
• Encouraging communication and regular check-ins with the injured worker
• Developing a return-to-work plan with the injured worker and their healthcare provider.

Supporting injured workers that have been injured at work is essential for a safe and successful return to work. At Recovery Partners, our rehabilitation consultants can help you on how to provide the necessary support and guidance to help your injured employees recover and return to work. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you as the employer, can ensure that your injured workers receive the best possible outcome. Our team of experts is also available to provide guidance and support to help you navigate the workers compensation system and develop effective return-to-work strategies for your employees.