As you may or may not be aware, WorkCover funds a number of programs to help injured workers who need additional assistance with return to work. Recently, these programs have undergone a review and changes effective as of Friday, 1 July 2011 now mean greater incentives for employers. 

The programs can be tailored to suit a worker's particular needs, and therefore address individual barriers to return to work. Actevate are excited about the opportunities for injured workers under the following programs;

JobCover Placement Program
The JobCover Placement Program provides an employer with incentives to employ an injured worker. The benefits of this program include:

• A wage subsidy for up to 12 months
• Exclusion of the injured workers wages from the employer's workers compensation premium calculation for up to two years
• Protection against further costs associated with the existing injury for up to two years.

The wage subsidy includes:

• $400 per week for the first 12 weeks up to $4800
• $500 per week for the next 14 weeks up to $7000
• $600 per weeks for the next 26 weeks up to $15,600.
• the maximum payable will be $27,400 for the worker’s first year of employment with the new employer

Equipment and workplace modifications
Special equipment and workplace modifications required to help an injured worker achieve a safe and durable return to work may be covered under this program.

Retraining programs
Retraining programs assist injured workers to develop new skills and qualifications to keep their job, or get a new job. This may involve formal study with TAFE, a university or registered training organisation. Course fees and associated costs such as stationery, textbooks, travel and accommodation may be covered under this program.

Transition to work program
The transition to work program can provide up to $5000 to address immediate or short-term costs (such as travel, transitional child care arrangements, relocation and clothing) that may prevent an injured worker from accepting employment. The payment can be used more than once provided the cumulative costs do not exceed $5000.

Work trials
Work trials can be used to place a worker with a host employer for a short time if the worker's employer is unable to provide suitable duties. The work trial provides the worker with an opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their physical and psychological capacity for work. The host employer does not pay the workers wages as payments continue through the Workers Compensation System.

Please Note: Costs associated with these initiatives will continue to be funded by the Scheme under Section 53 and are not a claims cost.