Market research of 1500 injured workers had given another massive “thumbs down” for the performance of WorkCover and its claims manager, Employers Mutual Limited.
“Research conducted by McGregor Tan Research for the WorkCover Board has shown a further significant reduction in performance satisfaction levels,” Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Rob Lucas said today.
“The trend of declining satisfaction levels continues, but worryingly has dropped significantly in the last year,” Mr Lucas said.
“Similar results were revealed when injured workers were asked about their perception of WorkCover’s overall performance – these figures show a drop from 6.4 to 5.9 in the last year.”
Injured workers’ greatest concerns and dissatisfaction related to:
• Whether case managers were helping them to find work suited to their skills and needs;
• Whether case managers were working closely with doctors, employers and rehabilitation providers in the “return to work” process; and,
• Whether case managers were ensuring they had a realistic “Rehabilitation and Return to Work” plan.
“Finally, only 34 per cent of injured workers had a positive perception of WorkCover, which was a massive drop from 42 per cent in June 2009,” he said.
“Given the WorkCover unfunded liabilities remain at almost $1 billion, it is now clear that the Rann Government changes to WorkCover have been a massive failure.
“The Rann Government should now expedite the review of WorkCover which is required by legislation to commence before the end of 2010.”