RELEASE DATE 18/06/2007
WorkCover tonight launched the TREAT website, a new online resource for health providers that features best practice information about managing workers compensation injuries.
TREAT, a first in South Australia, was developed in conjunction with a number of clinicians – physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, psychologists and GPs – with a focus on soft tissue injuries in the acute/subacute phase of injury.
The launch of TREAT is part of WorkCover’s ongoing strategy of supporting health provider education. The site will be regularly reviewed and expanded to keep abreast of best practices.
The TREAT website was developed in response to recommendations outlined in the report on health care infrastructure prepared by Dr Kathy Alexander in 2005, subsequent workshops with general practitioners around South Australia, and general feedback from other provider groups.
WorkCover’s goal in producing the TREAT website for health providers is primarily to improve recovery and return to work outcomes for injured workers.
The content on TREAT is designed to be straight-forward and easy to access and follow, focusing on best practice, effective communication between all parties involved in a claim, and the benefits of return to work to aid long-term recovery.
“Patients with compensational injuries often have poorer health outcomes than patients with similar non-compensable injuries,” said WorkCover’s General Manager, Workplace Injury, Wayne Potter.
“We are trying to understand the complex reasons behind this disappointing reality,” said Mr Potter.
"TREAT also emphasises the importance of a positive attitude in recovering from any injury or illness. We would like to see treating practitioners setting expectations for recovery, encouraging their patients to remain active and also taking responsibility for their own health,” said Mr Potter.
The TREAT website takes users through the typical journey of a soft tissue injury – from first consultations through to the six-week review, 12-week review and ceasing treatment. It covers red and yellow flags, return to work factors and useful resources.
“At this stage, TREAT’s focus is on acute injuries, specifically in the most common compensable body locations of lower back, shoulder and knee. Soft tissue injuries to these areas of the body account for more than half of all WorkCover claims,” said Mr Potter.
Media contact: Danielle Martin, WorkCover SA – (08) 8233 2381 or 0418 295 324
Background information on WorkCover
WorkCover is funded by employers to manage a balanced and financially sound system that rehabilitates, compensates and returns injured workers to safe workplaces and the community.
WorkCover began operations in 1987 and is constituted as a statutory authority under the WorkCover Corporation Act 1994 with a Board appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the responsible Minister (now the Minister for Industrial Relations).
WorkCover is responsible for administering the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.
WorkCover manages South Australia’s Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme on behalf of about 65,000 employers, providing rehabilitation and compensation support for an estimated 500,000 employees (about 60 per cent of the state’s workforce).
In 2005-06, there were 22,930 claims incurred by workers employed by registered employers and 14,064 claims by workers employed by self-insurers (37,465 in total):
- 79 per cent of WorkCover claimants do not have any lost time from work (less than 2 weeks)
- 49 per cent of WorkCover claimants return to work within 1 month
- 71 per cent of WorkCover claimants return to work within 3 months
- Out of every 100 injured workers, 82 leave the Scheme within 12 months.
More information on WorkCover SA can be found on our website under About us.
Access our most recent Annual Report.