The role of a WorkCover Agent
WorkCover Agents are appointed by WorkSafe to ensure all workers compensation claims are managed efficiently and effectively. In Victoria, the WorkCover Agents are DXC, Gallagher Bassett, EML and Allianz.
Their role includes claims liability assessment, payment of accounts and compensation, collecting workplace annual premiums and focusing on the wellbeing of an injured employee with stakeholder planning towards proactive Return to Work outcomes. They are also responsible for obtaining medical information from treating health practitioners and independent medical examiners to assess ongoing claim entitlements.
Above this, they are to provide regular updates on active claims to the employers and ensure all is occurring towards a claim’s finalisation outcome.
The reality of the WorkCover Agent & Employer Relationship
Have you ever tried to get in touch with your WorkCover Agent about a claim? It can be a frustrating process, like making a call to the ATO – waiting on hold, having to explain your issue over and over to different people, differing advice and a different person each time you call.
What we hear from prospective clients and what we see on a daily basis is:
- There are very limited experienced case managers – many are moving on to become in house Workers Compensation specialists or leaving the industry all together
- There’s a high turnover of Case Managers and phone calls aren’t returned
- Feedback and communication from WorkCover Agents to employers is poor and rarely happens with injured workers
- Medical expense reimbursements are taking well in excess of 6 weeks to be paid
- 95% of all incoming workers compensation claims are being accepted (no matter what the injury or cause)
- WorkCover Agents are rarely making any adverse decisions on workers entitlements and therefore claims are continuing to at least 130 weeks of paid compensation with lump sum impairment claims
The lack of action and the ‘not my problem’ mentality is having a detrimental effect on businesses, injured employees and workers compensation premiums.
Imagine being an employer who has a staff member who suffers a minor injury and they remain off work for two and a half years. Their annual premiums are skyrocketing by around 50% over a three year period due to lack of action by the Workers Compensation Agent. These increased costs can impact the ongoing affordability of continuing in business, not to mention the mental toll it can take.
Your WorkCover Agent isn’t your friend and in most cases isn’t proactively working in the best interests of your business and injured employee.
As specialist Workers Compensation consultants, we can take over your WorkCover claims administration and management responsibilities. We’ll work closely with your WorkCover Agent on your behalf to ensure they are managing your cases efficiently and correctly.
Want to see if we can help your business? Contact Jayrose Group Australia today on 1300 785 244 or learn more about our Workers Compensation Claims Management services.
