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Workcover Support Services

 

Workcover Support Services

The Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) will oversee delivery of Workcover Support Services (WSS) to licensed trainers in Victoria, commencing on 1 February 2024.

The aim of the WSS is to provide licensed Victorian trainers with tools and advisory support to help each trainer better manage their employment injury risks and associated Workcover insurance costs. The WSS team will be made up of experts in their respective fields and will be led by the ATA and their lead consultant, Safe Industries Australia.

The expectation is that over a 2-3 year term, utilising the WSS will lead to a significant reduction in the number of incidents (and in particular, serious incidents) which in turn, will reduce the financial and personal impost businesses typically experience from their workplace injuries.

 

Who can access these services?

Any licensed trainer in Victoria who is an employer

i.e.: has employees engaged for the purpose of carrying on their business, and who is therefore, required by law to affect a Worker’s Compensation policy of insurance.

How long will these services be available?

The consulting elements (pre loss and post loss support) will continue indefinitely. 

The premium subsidy has a two-year lifespan at this time i.e.: it will terminate on 30 June 2025.

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

Hickmott Racing

“Well done on introducing the WSS initiative!”

Snowden Racing

“Thank you so much for your help - we had a long-term claimant with a matter ongoing for over two years, which has now been resolved with your assistance!!!!"

Dabernig Racing

“ Thank you so much for all the time and effort the team has invested into this initiative.  It is amazing!!”

O’Brien Thoroughbreds

”The WSS is a great industry initiative, given Worker’s Compensation is a complex area.  From personal experience, the advice & claim support provided since it commenced in February has been terrific.”

Henry Dwyer Racing

“We were thrilled with the ATA taking a proactive approach to assist Victorian trainers to address not only their soaring cost of worker’s compensation premiums, but also to better manage and ultimately reduce their workplace incidents.  It is great to be able to pick up the phone and talk with someone who understands the industry.  We will be actively supporting the WSS as they roll out their Workcover initiatives, and encourage all trainers to get onboard and likewise, be part of this industry program”.

 

Insurance Premium Subsidy

Each employer with a current Workcover policy is entitled to receive an insurance premium subsidy. Employers must furnish the ATA with their 2022 and 2023 premium notices, so the ATA can establish the financial entitlement of the employer.
Factors that will be considered as part of the review include:
 
 

  Premium costs compared year on year.

  Major changes in the business model from one year to the next.

  Any offset to the year-on-year increased cost, for example, where a specific Workcover levy may have been introduced and is being recovered via an Owner’s training account.

Pre-Loss Consulting Support

Aimed at the current and/or prospective employee and the employment process itself, this element will focus on furnishing the employer with advice, documentation and information that supports:

 

 

  Employee selection criteria.

  Assessing capabilities / role competencies.

  Induction process.

  Training considerations.

  Legal input (where required).

Post-Loss Consulting Support

After a workplace injury has occurred, this element will focus on furnishing the employer with advice, documentation and information that supports:

 

 

 

  Expedient Claim recording and reporting.

  Workcover claims agent engagement.

  Health professional selection.

  Return to work options.

  Claims investigation (where required).

  Legal assistance (where required).

What do I need to do to now?

Key Claims Management Information for Employers

Gallagher Bassett, one of four workcover agents appointed by the Victorian Workcover Authority, is forming a dedicated internal unit to support the WWS initiative. For those who currently use another agent, download a Gallagher Bassett Employer Transfer Request Form.

 

When completed, email this form directly to wss@austrainers.com.au.

Each employer must complete a WSS Permissions Form and return to the ATA via wss@austrainers.com.au.  This will provide the ATA and their consulting panel with the authority to engage with Gallagher Bassett on your claims.

For all new claims after 1 February 2024, employers should lodge the completed Worker’s Injury Claim Form with the ATA via wss@austrainers.com.au.

 

Do not send this document to Gallagher Bassett - the WSS support service, utilising the consulting panel, will lodge this on the employer's behalf. In turn, the WSS consulting panel with Gallagher Bassett, will develop individual claim handling strategies based on the type of claim presented e.g.: a simple claim (sprains/strains) versus a serious workplace injury (broken bones/lost time injury matter). Employers will be routinely updated on the claim and the resolution process.

All employer communications to the ATA on this service must be directed to the dedicated email address wss@austrainers.com.au.

Workcover Support Services Bureau

ATA Master Logo-1

 

The Australian Trainers' Association (ATA) is a national organisation recognised as the principal representative of Horse Trainers' in Australia. Established in 1967, the ATA is widely represented with Branches in all Australian States and is underpinned by the National Federal Branch.

The ATA will manage the Workcover Support Services Bureau and they will solely manage the Insurance Premier Subsidy element of this project. 

 

SIA Logo (1)

 

Safe Industries Australia has been engaged by the ATA to be the lead consultant and to provide consulting support in the Pre-Loss and Post-Loss areas of your businesses.

SIA will be your first port of call when you have a workplace incident, and they will engage and work directly with Gallagher Bassett and other Bureau members on your claims. 

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Gallagher Bassett has been an Agent within the Victorian Scheme for over 20 years and currently hold approximately 28% market share in Victoria and have become a trusted Agent.

GB have created dedicated Racing Services team in Victoria, focused on providing specialised services in claims management and risk support for the racing industry. Their team is equipped with extensive knowledge and experience in handling racing-related claims. 

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Proof Integrity Solutions offers expert work cover claim investigations with a focus on thoroughness and fairness.

Their unbiased assessments help prevent fraud and manage risks, ensuring compliance and reducing liabilities. By maintaining ethical standards and precision, they protect both employees and employers through transparent and accurate investigations.

 

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CES WorkCover Solutions specialises in managing claims and facilitating the return-to-work process. Their expert guidance ensures accurate, timely claim processing and tailored strategies that reduce durations and costs.

By promoting employee recovery and reintegration, streamlining procedures, and enhancing stakeholder communication, CES minimizes business disruptions and supports a productive workforce.

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Morgan + English Lawyers provide expert legal support in workplace law, offering clients comprehensive guidance to navigate complex legal landscapes. They ensure fair resolution of disputes, protect clients' rights, and mitigate risks through strategic advice and representation.

Their deep understanding of workplace regulations and WorkCover processes allows them to effectively manage claims, reduce liabilities, and facilitate smoother return-to-work transitions. By delivering tailored legal solutions, Morgan + English Lawyers enhance compliance and support business continuity.