WORKCOVER NSW

Claims forms and processes
The WorkCover NSW site has gateways for workers, employers, industries, insurers and service providers and these funnel you through to information about how to make a claim, with links to the relevant forms. You can also access these resources through ‘Quick Links’, in the menu on the left.   

Practical RTW / injury management info
There is some very useful information available on the NSW WorkCover site, including resources for managing sprains and strains, case management principles and guidelines for RTW programs. However, these are not prominent on the homepage; you have to click through to the publications page and scroll down.

Links to relevant legislation
Yes, in the Law and Policy tab.

Up-to-date information
The information in the highlights section of the homepage is current but not everything on the home page is so timely.  The harmonisation link takes you through to information about the state of affairs in 06 / 07 and although there is some more recent info if you follow the links, it is a bit of a mixed bag.

Positive partnership messages
There is no obvious promotion of the partnership approach on the NSW website. There is, however prominent information about fraud. This info is certainly useful but could be balanced by a focus on the power of partnerships.

Focus on workplace health
Workplace health isn't mentioned on the WorkCover NSW site.

Annual report
There is a prominent link to the WorkCover NSW annual report, which you can check out here. 

Appearance / Ease of navigation
The site is easy to navigate but we're not sold on the presentation. The font is very small, the links appear as unengaging lists and the sponsor's ad is more eye catching than any of the relevant information.

WORKCOVER WA

ong>Claims forms and processes
The WorkCover WA website has an excellent step-by-step explanation of the claims' process for workers and also provides advice for employers about claims management. Claim forms are accessible from both these pages.

Practical RTW / injury management info
Clear, concise information about RTW and injury management is available on the WorkCover WA website. There is even a series of injury management templates to assist employers in system design. And if you're in need of more personalised assistance, you might want to call the prominently featured advisory service. Great work, WA!

Links to relevant legislation
Hidden away in the Publications and Forms tab are links to all the relevant West Australian legislation.

Up-to-date information
With the News section updated within the last month, and the inclusion of information about the new National Framework for rehab providers in the Service Providers page, it looks as though the WorkCover WA site has its finger on the pulse.

Positive partnership messages
The RTW Overview section states that "The injury management and return to work processes require an employer, injured worker and medical practitioner (the key parties) to be involved in decision making." This partnership focus informs the entire WA site.

  Focus on workplace health
There is no mention of workplace health on the WorkCover WA site.

 Annual report
WorkCover WA annual reports are available here.

Appearance / Ease of navigation
The site looks great and is easy to get around except for one irritating exception; the lack of a 'home' link, to return you to the homepage in one easy click.

WORKCOVER SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Claims forms and processes
Claim forms and report forms are downloadable from the homepage. There is also information about claims processes for both employers and workers.

Practical RTW / injury management info
That's right: two ticks! WorkCover SA's site is well worth a browse, even if you're covered by another jurisdiction. Employers are offered advice about  what to do when a worker is injured and how to assist with RTW. Workers are offered advice about returning to work, coping with serious injury and given reasons for focusing on RTW. There are also key principles for healthcare providers and clinical guidelines by injury type, to name just a few of the excellent resources on offer.

Links to relevant legislation
Slightly hidden away in the WorkCover tab, links to the relevant legislation are available on the SA site.

Up-to-date information
Given the substantial changes RTW / workers' comp have undergone in SA in the last 12 months you'd hope that the website was up-to-date; judging by the latest news section, this certainly seems to be the case.

Positive partnership messages
Ok, ok, WorkCover SA's site doesn't actually say "RTW partnerships rock", but operating on the principle that a picture speaks a thousand words we think they manage to convey that sentiment very succinctly. The homepage features gateways for three key stakeholders--workers, employers and health providers--and the emphasis is on working together to achieve RTW success. We especially love the "How can you help" section for employers. Great approach!

  Focus on workplace health
Marring an otherwise stellar report card, there is no mention of workplace health and wellbeing on the SA site.

 Annual report
WorkCover SA makes available both its strategic plan and annual report; read them both here.

Appearance / Ease of navigation

Move your mouse too quickly across the homepage and you might experience vertigo but dizziness aside the SA site is engaging-looking and simple to use.

Next up in the O.K. Corral of Australian workers' comp websites: Round Two--VIC, TAS and NT.