Where Did WorkCover’s Functions Go?
As from the 1st September 2015 the functions of WorkCover NSW have been taken over by 3 separate government bodies. You may have wondered why that happened and have other questions as well. We hope that this article may help you find what you want to know.
1. Why was WorkCover NSW replaced?
It was replaced in order to address conflicts of interests between some of the roles of WorkCover NSW. In particular, the conflict of interest between its insurance service delivery functions, and its insurance regulatory function.
2. Where did WorkCover’s WHS functions Go?
SafeWork NSW is now carrying out the WHS functions that WorkCover NSW had.
SafeWork NSW is now the NSW workplace health and safety regulator. Its focus is on harm prevention and improving the safety culture in NSW workplaces. And its functions include:
- enforcing WHS laws in NSW
- investigating workplace incidents
- providing licencing and registration for potentially dangerous work
- providing testing services
- offering advice on improving work health and safety
It is not involved in workers compensation or other insurance matters.
3. Where did the Workers Comp regulatory function go?
It went to a new independent insurance regulator called
This body is responsible for the regulatory functions in relation to:
- workers compensation insurance
- motor accidents compulsory third party (CTP) insurance
- home building compensation.
Further details can be found on SIRA’s website.
4. Where did the workers compensation insurance service delivery functions go?
They went to a new body called Insurance & Care NSW (ICare)
ICare is a single customer-focused insurance and care service provider
for;
- workers compensation
- lifetime care and support
- dust diseases
- sporting injuries
Further details of what ICare does can be found on its website.
You are welcome to download and distribute the article in your workplace if you feel it may be useful
