The WorkCover system

There are many components that make up the South Australian Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (the Scheme). When an injury occurs in the workplace, the Scheme operates to support the injured worker to deal with the impact of the injury and to provide support for the worker to recover and return to work.

There is good evidence to suggest that people who are injured and claim compensation for that injury have poorer health outcomes than people who suffer similar injuries but are not involved in the compensation process ^[1].

Most injured workers with a compensation claim progress through treatment and return to work with minimal intervention or angst. Across all workers' compensation jurisdictions:

• approximately 80% of injured workers progress straightforwardly
• approximately 20% exhibit levels of distress and disability that appear to be excessive when considered in relation to their initial injury
• of the 20% a further 5% go on to exhibit 'apparently disproportionate outcomes' where levels of long-term disability and distress cannot be explained by the initial injury ^[2].

Reasons for the difference in recovery rates between compensable and non-compensable injuries are complex, and some are not well understood. There are factors which are unique to the compensation environment which may play a role in the health outcomes of injured workers. There are also other factors such as psychological, social and health provider factors which can play a role in the recovery and return to work of an injured worker.

Changes to the WorkCover Scheme

Significant changes were recently made to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986. For a full review of these changes and their effects, please click here.

References

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