This regulation may be cited as the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2014.
This regulation commences on 1 September 2014.
Schedule 13 defines particular words used in this regulation.
4WorkCover’s capital adequacy—Act, s 453(b)
For section 453(b) of the Act, WorkCover maintains capital adequacy if WorkCover’s total assets are at least equal to its total liabilities.
An application for a WorkCover policy must be made to WorkCover in the approved form.
(1)On payment of the premium shown as payable in a premium notice issued by WorkCover to an employer, WorkCover must issue to the employer a policy, in the approved form, for the period of insurance stated in the notice.(2)A policy has no effect until—(a)WorkCover receives the premium payable to WorkCover for the policy or the policy’s renewal; or(b)WorkCover enters into an instalment plan.
(1)This section does not apply to a policy for household workers.(2)WorkCover must assess the premium payable under a policy for each period of insurance shown in a premium notice.
(1)This section does not apply to an employer who employs only household workers.(2)Each employer, other than a self-insurer, must, on or before 31 August in each year, lodge with WorkCover a declaration of wages so WorkCover can assess the employer’s premium.(3)The declaration must be in—(a)the approved form; or(b)with WorkCover’s approval—another form acceptable to WorkCover.(4)If an employer does not comply with subsection (2), the employer must pay an additional premium under schedule 1.(5)The additional premium payable under schedule 1 is the amount specified opposite the time after 31 August in a year when the employer complies with subsection (2).
(1)This section applies if an employer provides, or is to provide, board to a worker during a period of insurance.(2)The value of board provided is taken to be wages paid, or to be paid, by the employer to the worker.(3)For each week the employer provides, or is to provide, board, the value of board is at least equal to—(a)the weekly allowance for board provided for under the industrial instrument governing the calling in which the worker is engaged; or(b)if paragraph (a) does not apply—6% of QOTE.(4)In this section—board means accommodation, meals, laundry services or any other entitlement having a monetary value provided when lodging.
10Payment of premium by instalments
(1)WorkCover may accept payment of a premium by instalments under an instalment plan approved by WorkCover if WorkCover is satisfied that payment of the premium by the due date would impose financial hardship on the employer.(2)The instalment plan is subject to the following conditions—(a)interest at a rate specified by WorkCover’s board by gazette notice must be added to the amount of each instalment;(b)interest must be calculated from the due date;(c)the interest rate that applies at the start of the instalment plan remains constant until the plan ends;(d)on acceptance of the instalment plan, the employer must, if required by WorkCover, enter into a payment arrangement acceptable to WorkCover;(e)if an instalment of premium is not paid on or before the due date for payment of the instalment—(i)the total amount of unpaid instalments and interest on outstanding instalments to that day immediately becomes payable to WorkCover; and(ii)an additional premium under section 11 applies to the unpaid instalments and interest; and(iii)the policy for which the premium is payable stops having effect; and(iv)the employer contravenes section 48 of the Act.
11Additional premium for late payment of premium—Act, ss 61 and 62
(1)This section applies if, on or before the due date, an employer does not pay—(a)the amount of premium payable under a premium notice; or(b)the amount by which a final assessment of premium by an industrial magistrate or the Industrial Court is more than the amount of premium paid under section 551(4) of the Act.(2)However, this section does not apply if—(a)the employer employs only household workers; or(b)WorkCover has accepted payment of the amount under an instalment plan and instalments are paid under the plan.(3)For sections 61 and 62 of the Act, the additional premium payable is—(a)if the amount is paid to WorkCover within 30 days after the due date—5% of the amount; or(b)if the amount is paid to WorkCover after 30 days but within 60 days after the due date—10% of the amount; or(c)if the amount is paid to WorkCover after 60 days after the due date or if no payment is made—10% of the amount plus interest at the annual rate mentioned in section 10(2)(a) for the period from the due date, or a later date decided by WorkCover, until the amount and all additional premium is paid to WorkCover.
12Premium for appeals—Act, s 569(2)(a)
(1)For section 569(2)(a) of the Act, premium, for an employer for a period of insurance, is an amount calculated using the formula—
(2)In subsection (1)—rate means the rate for the employer’s industry or business specified in the notice under section 54 of the Act that applies to the period of insurance.wages means—(a)the wages of the employer for the preceding period of insurance; or(b)if the employer has only been insured for part of a period of insurance—a reasonable estimate of the wages of the employer for the period of insurance.
13Former employer may apply to cancel policy
(1)This section applies if a person (a former employer) wishes to cancel a policy because the person has stopped employing workers.(2)This section does not apply to a former employer of only household workers.(3)The former employer must give WorkCover—(a)written notice that the former employer—(i)stopped employing workers on and from a date stated in the notice; and(ii)wishes to cancel the policy; and(b)written details of—(i)the address to which any document addressed to the former employer may be sent; and(ii)the former employer’s wages in relation to the period (last employment period) starting on 1 July last preceding the day on which employment of workers stopped and ending on that day.
14Cancellation of policy if workers no longer employed
(1)This section applies if—(a)a person (a former employer) has notified WorkCover under section 13(3) that the former employer has stopped employing workers; or(b)WorkCover is satisfied, after making reasonable enquiries, that a person (also a former employer) has stopped employing workers.(2)WorkCover may cancel the former employer’s policy.(3)WorkCover must assess the premium payable by the former employer for the period during which the Act required the former employer to maintain a policy.(4)If the premium paid by the former employer for the last employment period is—(a)greater than the amount of premium assessed under subsection (3)—WorkCover must refund the amount overpaid to the former employer; or(b)less than the amount of premium assessed under subsection (3)—the former employer must pay WorkCover the amount of the deficit on or before the due date under a final premium notice issued for the amount of the deficit.(5)Nothing in this section is taken to limit chapter 2, part 3, division 2 of the Act.
For section 65(2) of the Act, the prescribed amount is the lesser of the following—(a)QOTE;(b)the amount of weekly compensation payable to a worker under chapter 3, part 9 of the Act.
16Application fees—Act, s 70(c)
For section 70(c) of the Act, the prescribed fee is—(a)for a single employer—15,000 fee units; or(b)for a group employer—20,000 fee units.s 16 amd 2022 SL No. 71 s 22
(1)For section 81(2) of the Act, the prescribed way to calculate the annual levy is using the formula—
(2)In subsection (1)—estimated claims liability means estimated claims liability calculated under part 3, division 4 stated in the most recent actuarial report agreed by the Regulator, or decided by the arbiter, under that division, before a date fixed by the Regulator by gazette notice.rate means the rate published in the gazette notice under section 81 of the Act for the particular financial year.s 17 amd 2022 SL No. 71 s 23
18Provisional annual levy—not agreed or decided
(1)This section applies if—(a)the Regulator and the self-insurer have not agreed on the calculation of estimated claims liability under part 3, division 4; and(b)the arbiter has not decided the estimated claims liability.(2)The Regulator may use the estimated claims liability amount (the provisional annual levy) assessed by the approved actuary to ensure the self-insurer’s compliance with section 81 of the Act.
(1)If the Regulator and the self-insurer agree under section 62 on the estimated claims liability amount (agreed amount), the Regulator must give the self-insurer an adjusted levy notice based on the agreed amount within 14 days after the Regulator and the self-insurer agree to the amount.(2)If the agreed amount is more than the provisional annual levy, the self-insurer must pay the Regulator the difference between the provisional annual levy and the amount of the annual levy actually payable by the self-insurer.(3)If the agreed amount is less than the provisional annual levy paid by the self-insurer, the Regulator must pay the self-insurer the difference between the actual annual levy payable and the amount paid as the provisional annual levy.
20Adjusted annual levy—not agreed but decided
(1)This section applies if the Regulator and the self-insurer do not agree to an amount under section 19 and the amount (the decided adjusted amount) decided by the arbiter under section 63(1) is not the same as the amount of the estimated claims liability used to calculate the provisional annual levy.(2)If subsection (1) applies, the Regulator must give the self-insurer an adjusted levy notice based on the decided adjusted amount within 14 days after the Regulator or the self-insurer receives notice of the amount.(3)If the amount of the adjusted levy is more than the provisional annual levy, the self-insurer must pay the Regulator the difference between the provisional annual levy and the amount of the annual levy actually payable by the self-insurer.(4)If the amount of the adjusted levy is less than the provisional annual levy paid by the self-insurer, the Regulator must pay the self-insurer the difference between the actual annual levy payable and the amount paid as the provisional annual levy.
21Additional amount for late payment of levy—Act, s 82(1)
For section 82(1) of the Act, the additional amount payable is—(a)if the amount is paid to the Regulator within 30 days after the due date—5% of the amount; or(b)if the amount is paid to the Regulator after 30 days but within 60 days after the due date—10% of the amount; or(c)if the amount is paid to the Regulator after 60 days after the due date or if no payment is made—10% of the amount plus interest at a rate specified by the Regulator by gazette notice for the period from the due date, or a later date decided by the Regulator, until the amount and all additional amounts are paid to the Regulator.
22Conditions of licence—Act, s 83
For section 83(1)(a) of the Act, a self-insurer’s licence is subject to the condition that the self-insurer must lodge with the Regulator, for each year or part of a year of the licence, a declaration in the approved form of the self-insurer’s wages.s 22 amd 2016 Act No. 44 s 49
23Premium payable after cancellation of self-insurer’s licence—Act, s 98
(1)For section 98 of the Act, the premium payable by the former self-insurer for the first 2 periods of insurance after cancellation is to be calculated according to the method and at the rate specified by WorkCover, by gazette notice under section 54 of the Act, as if the employer were a new employer.(2)However, the rate under subsection (1) must not be less than the rate calculated using the formula—
(3)In subsection (2)—administrative costs means the administrative costs associated with claims incurred during the final period of licence, calculated by multiplying payments + liability by 0.095.final period of licence means—(a)for an employer licensed as a self-insurer for 3 or more years immediately before cancellation of the licence—3 years; or(b)for an employer licensed as a self-insurer for less than 3 years immediately before cancellation of the licence—the period of the licence.liability means an actuarial estimate of the outstanding liability at the end of the self-insurer’s licence for claims incurred during the final period of licence, excluding liability for the excess period.payments means the actual payments made by the former self-insurer, less recoveries received and payments made that are the equivalent of amounts payable for the excess period, for claims incurred during the final period of licence.wages means the wages of the self-insurer during the final period of licence.
24Deemed levy for appeals—Act, s 569(2)(a)
(1)The deemed levy, for a self-insurer for a financial year of the self-insurer’s licence, is an amount calculated using the formula—
(2)In this section—estimated claims liability means estimated claims liability calculated under part 3, division 4 that was used to calculate the annual levy under section 17.rate means the rate published in the gazette under section 81 of the Act for the particular financial year.
25Calculation of outstanding liability—Act, s 87(2)
For section 87(2) of the Act, the amount of a self-insurer’s outstanding liability must be calculated under this division.
WorkCover and the employer must each appoint an actuary to calculate an outstanding liability amount.
27Regulator to give actuary information
The Regulator must give each appointed actuary the information necessary to enable the actuaries to calculate the employer’s outstanding liability within the time mentioned in section 29(3).
A calculation of the outstanding liability must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the outstanding liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the employer’s claims experience from claims incurred before the employer becomes or became a self-insurer; and(g)be based on data as at the assessment day.
(1)For each calculation of an outstanding liability amount the appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the employer to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including accuracy of the data;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare the actuarial report within 35 days after the day a self-insurer lodges an application for self-insurance.
(1)The appointed actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ and the reasons for the difference.(2)The actuaries must give a copy of the completed summary report to the Regulator, WorkCover and the employer within 2 months after the day the application for self-insurance is lodged.
WorkCover and the employer may agree on the employer’s outstanding liability having regard to the summary report.
32Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)WorkCover or the employer may advise the Regulator that WorkCover and the employer do not agree on the outstanding liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the outstanding liability amount.
(1)WorkCover must pay the outstanding liability amount—(a)agreed to by WorkCover and the employer; or(b)if there is no agreement—decided by the arbiter.(2)WorkCover must pay the employer—(a)75% of the outstanding liability amount on the day the licence commences; and(b)the balance within 1 month after the day the licence commences.(3)WorkCover’s actuary must adjust the outstanding liability amount paid to the employer to take into account—(a)compensation and damages payments made between the assessment day and the day the employer becomes liable for the employer’s outstanding liability amount; and(b)claims lodged against the employer between the assessment day and the day the employer becomes liable for the employer’s outstanding liability amount.
34Transfer of claims information
WorkCover must give the employer claims information in relation to the employer’s outstanding liability before the day the licence commences.
35Calculation of total liability after change in self-insurer’s membership—Act s 90(9)
For section 90(9) of the Act, the amount of total liability after a change in the self-insurer’s membership must be calculated under this division.
The relevant parties must each appoint an actuary to calculate the total liability amount.
37Relevant parties to give actuaries information
The relevant parties must give each appointed actuary, in the form approved by the Regulator, the information necessary to enable the actuaries to complete the calculation within the time mentioned in section 39(3).
A calculation of the total liability amount must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the outstanding liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the claims experience of the employer or member of a group employer that is the subject of the transfer of liability; and(g)be based on data as at the assessment day.
(1)For each calculation of a total liability amount the appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the employer to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including its accuracy;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare the actuarial report within 35 days after the consent day.
(1)The actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ.(2)The actuaries must give a copy of the completed summary report to the parties and the Regulator within 2 months after the consent day.
The relevant parties may agree on the total liability amount having regard to the summary report.
42Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)A relevant party may advise the Regulator that the parties do not agree on the total liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the total liability amount.
(1)The old insurer must pay the total liability amount to the new insurer for the total liability—(a)agreed to by the old insurer and the new insurer; or(b)if there is no agreement—decided by the arbiter.(2)The old insurer must pay the total liability amount—(a)within 3 months after the consent day; or(b)on a later day agreed to by the parties.(3)The old insurer’s actuary must adjust the liability amount paid to the new insurer to take into account—(a)compensation and damages payments made between the assessment day and the day the new insurer assumes liability; and(b)claims lodged against the employer or member between the assessment day and the day the new insurer assumes liability.(4)The old insurer must advise the Regulator of the following no later than the day the total liability amount is paid—(a)the total liability amount;(b)the day the new insurer assumes liability;(c)details of the parties and the member leaving or becoming part of the self-insurer.
44Transfer of claims information
The old insurer must give the new insurer claims information in relation to the liability no later than the day the total liability amount is paid.
45Calculation of liability after cancellation—Act, s 102(3)
For section 102(3) of the Act, the amount for a former self-insurer’s liability must be calculated under this division.
WorkCover and a former self-insurer must each appoint an actuary to calculate the former self-insurer’s liability amount.
47Former self-insurer to give actuaries information
The former self-insurer must give the actuaries, in the form approved by the Regulator, the information necessary to enable the actuaries to complete the calculation within the time mentioned in section 49(3).
A calculation of a former self-insurer’s liability amount must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the outstanding liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the employer’s claims experience from claims incurred before the employer becomes or became a self-insurer; and(g)be based on data as at the assessment day.
(1)For each calculation of a former self-insurer’s liability amount the appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the employer to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including its accuracy;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report within 35 days after the cancellation day.
(1)The appointed actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ.(2)The appointed actuaries must give a copy of the summary report to the Regulator, WorkCover and the former self-insurer within 2 months after the cancellation day.
WorkCover and the former self-insurer may agree on the former self-insurer’s liability amount having regard to the summary report.
52Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)WorkCover or the former self-insurer may advise the Regulator that WorkCover and the former self-insurer do not agree on the self-insurer’s liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the self-insurer’s liability amount.
(1)The former self-insurer’s liability amount the former self-insurer must pay WorkCover is—(a)the amount (the agreed amount) agreed to by WorkCover and the former self-insurer; or(b)if there is no agreement, the amount (the decided amount) decided by the arbiter.(2)The former self-insurer’s actuary must adjust the amount to take into account—(a)compensation and damages payments made between the assessment day and the cancellation day; and(b)claims lodged against the former self-insurer between the assessment day and the cancellation day.
54Calculation of estimated claims liability—Act, s 84(3)(b)
For section 84(4)(b) of the Act, the amount of the estimated claims liability must be calculated under this division.s 54 amd 2016 Act No. 44 s 53 sch 1
The approved actuary must calculate the estimated claims liability amount.
56Self-insurer to give Regulator and approved actuary information
The self-insurer must give the self-insurer’s data to the Regulator and the approved actuary, in the form approved by the Regulator.
A calculation of a estimated claims liability amount must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the self-insurer’s claims experience; and(g)be based on the self-insurer’s data as at—(i)the last day of the financial quarter immediately before the anniversary of the day the renewed licence commences; or(ii)another day fixed by the Regulator.
(1)For each calculation of an estimated claims liability amount the approved actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the employer to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including its accuracy;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.
59Copy of actuarial report to Regulator and self-insurer
The approved actuary must give a copy of the actuarial report to the Regulator and the self-insurer by the day fixed by the Regulator or a later day agreed between the Regulator and the actuary.
60Regulator to advise self-insurer whether agreement on amount
Within 35 days after the approved actuary gives the Regulator a copy of the actuarial report, the Regulator must advise the self-insurer whether the Regulator agrees or does not agree with the approved actuary’s assessment of the estimated claims liability.
61Reference to Regulator’s actuary if no agreement on amount
(1)After receiving a copy of the approved actuary’s report, the Regulator may ask an actuary (Regulator’s actuary) to calculate the amount of the self-insurer’s estimated claims liability and give the Regulator an actuarial report made under section 58.(2)The Regulator must give the Regulator’s actuary the approved actuary’s report and the self-insurer’s data.
If, at any time, the Regulator and the self-insurer agree on the calculation of estimated claims liability, having regard to the approved actuary’s actuarial report or any Regulator’s actuary’s actuarial report, the estimated claims liability is the amount agreed to by the Regulator and the self-insurer.
(1)If the Regulator and the self-insurer do not agree on the calculation, the Regulator must refer the approved actuary’s report, the self-insurer’s data and any Regulator’s actuary’s actuarial report to the arbiter for decision.(2)The Regulator must make the referral within 14 days after the day the Regulator advises the self-insurer that the Regulator does not agree with the self-insurer’s approved actuary’s actuarial report under section 60.
64Calculation of non-scheme employer’s liability—Act, s 105I(2)
For section 105I(2) of the Act, the amount for a non-scheme employer’s liability must be calculated under this division.
WorkCover and the non-scheme employer must each appoint an actuary to calculate a non-scheme employer’s liability amount.
66Non-scheme employer to give actuaries information
The non-scheme employer must give the actuaries, in the form approved by the Regulator, the information necessary to enable the actuaries to complete the calculation within the time mentioned in section 68(3).
A calculation of a non-scheme employer’s liability amount must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the non-scheme insurer’s claims experience; and(g)be based on data that only relates to the period before the cancellation day.
(1)For each calculation of a non-scheme employer’s liability amount each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the non-scheme employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the non-scheme employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the non-scheme employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the non-scheme employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the non-scheme employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the non-scheme employer to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including its accuracy;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report on the actuary’s calculation within 35 days after the cancellation day.
(1)The actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ.(2)The actuaries must give a copy of the summary report to the Regulator, WorkCover and the non-scheme employer within 2 months after the cancellation day.
WorkCover and the non-scheme employer may agree on the non-scheme employer’s liability amount having regard to the summary report.
71Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)WorkCover or the non-scheme employer may advise the Regulator that WorkCover and the non-scheme employer do not agree on the non-scheme employer’s liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the non-scheme employer’s liability amount.
(1)The amount the non-scheme employer must pay WorkCover for the liability is—(a)the amount (the agreed amount) agreed to by WorkCover and the non-scheme employer; or(b)if there is no agreement—the amount (the decided amount) decided by the arbiter.(2)The agreed amount or decided amount paid to WorkCover must be adjusted by the non-scheme employer’s actuary to take into account—(a)compensation and damages payments made between the assessment day and the cancellation day; and(b)claims lodged against the non-scheme employer between the assessment day and the cancellation day.
73Calculation of finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount—Act, s 105I(2)
For section 105I(2) of the Act, the amount for finalisation of a non-scheme employer’s liability must be calculated under this subdivision.
WorkCover and the non-scheme employer must each appoint an actuary, at the end of 4 years after the cancellation day, to calculate the finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount.
75WorkCover to give actuaries information
WorkCover must give the appointed actuaries the information necessary to enable the actuaries to complete the calculation within the time mentioned in section 77(3).
(1)For each calculation of a finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount, the appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the non-scheme insurer’s claims experience; and(g)apply the same risk free rate of return that was used in the calculation of the non-scheme employer’s liability amount; and(h)have regard to compensation and damages payments made in relation to the liability between the day WorkCover became liable for compensation and damages for the non-scheme employer’s liability and the end of 4 years after that day; and(i)be based on data as at the last day of the last financial quarter for which data is available at the end of 4 years after the day WorkCover became liable for compensation and damages for the non-scheme employer’s liability amount.(3)The data relied on under subsection (2)(i) may only relate to the period before the exit date.s 76 amd 2022 SL No. 100 s 17
(1)For each calculation of a finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount, each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the non-scheme employer; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the non-scheme employer; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the non-scheme employer for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the non-scheme employer; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the non-scheme employer; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the non-scheme employer to pay the non-scheme employer’s liability amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including its accuracy;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report on the actuary’s calculation within 35 days after the end of 4 years after the day WorkCover became liable for compensation and damages for the non-scheme employer’s liability.
(1)The actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ.(2)The actuaries must give a copy of the completed summary report to the Regulator, WorkCover and the non-scheme employer within 2 months after the end of 4 years after the day WorkCover became liable for compensation and damages for the non-scheme employer’s liability.
WorkCover and the finalised non-scheme employer liability amount may agree on the finalised non-scheme employer liability amount having regard to the summary report.
80Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)WorkCover or the finalised non-scheme employer may advise the Regulator that WorkCover and the finalised non-scheme employer do not agree on the finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount.
(1)If the amount (the agreed amount) agreed to by WorkCover and the non-scheme employer or, if there is no agreement, the amount (the decided amount) decided by the arbiter, for the calculation is more than the non-scheme employer’s liability amount—(a)the amount the non-scheme employer must pay WorkCover for the non-scheme employer’s liability is the agreed amount or decided amount; and(b)the non-scheme employer must pay WorkCover—(i)the difference between the amount of the payment (the interim payment) made under section 72 and the agreed amount or decided amount for the non-scheme employer’s liability; and(ii)interest on the difference, from the day the whole of the interim payment was paid, at the same risk free rate of return that was used in the calculation of the non-scheme employer’s liability amount.(2)If the agreed amount or decided amount is less than the interim payment—(a)the amount the non-scheme employer must pay WorkCover for the non-scheme employer’s liability is the agreed amount or decided amount; and(b)WorkCover must pay the non-scheme employer—(i)the difference between the interim payment and the agreed amount or decided amount for the liability; and(ii)interest on the difference, from the day the whole of the interim payment was paid, at the same risk free rate of return that was used in the calculation of an amount for the liability under subdivision 2.(3)WorkCover or the non-scheme employer must pay the amount of the difference within 28 days after—(a)WorkCover and the non-scheme employer agree on the recalculation; or(b)if there is no agreement, WorkCover or the non-scheme employer receives the statement of the arbiter’s decision about the recalculation.(4)On payment of the amount—(a)the non-scheme employer’s liability is finalised for section 105I(5) of the Act; and(b)no further amount is payable for the liability.
82Calculation of non-scheme members’ total liability—Act, s 105O(3)(a)
For section 105O(3)(a) of the Act, the amount of total liability after a change in the self-insurer’s membership must be calculated under this division.
(1)The old insurer and WorkCover must each appoint an actuary to calculate the total liability amount.(2)An actuary appointed by the old insurer must be approved by the non-scheme member.
84Parties to give actuaries information
The old insurer and WorkCover must give the appointed actuaries, in the form approved by the Regulator, the information necessary to enable the actuaries to complete the calculation within the time mentioned in section 86(3).
A calculation of a total liability amount must—(a)be prepared under the actuarial standard; and(b)apply a central estimate of the relevant liability; and(c)apply the risk free rate of return; and(d)include claims administration expenses of 7% of the outstanding liability; and(e)not include a prudential margin; and(f)be based, as far as practicable, on the claims experience of the employer or member of a group employer that is the subject of the transfer of liability; and(g)be based on data as at the assessment day.
(1)For each calculation of a total liability amount each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report under the actuarial standard.(2)The actuarial report must state the following—(a)the amount;(b)the key assumptions made for the calculation;(c)how the key assumptions have been derived, including—(i)the average amount of claims for compensation against the non-scheme member; and(ii)the average amount of claims for damages against the non-scheme member; and(iii)claims anticipated to have been incurred by the non-scheme member, for which no formal claim has been lodged; and(iv)the frequency of claims for compensation against the non-scheme member; and(v)the frequency of claims for damages against the non-scheme member; and(vi)the net amount of the claims after allowing for future inflation (inflated value); and(vii)the net present value of the inflated value after allowing for income from assets set aside by the non-scheme member to pay the amount; and(viii)the rate of inflation used;(d)the nature of the data used in the calculation;(e)the actuary’s assessment of the data, including accuracy of the data;(f)how the actuary interpreted the data;(g)the actuarial model used in the calculation;(h)the results of the calculation;(i)the actuary’s confidence in the results of the calculation.(3)Each appointed actuary must prepare an actuarial report within 35 days after the final day.
(1)The actuaries must jointly prepare a summary report that—(a)includes the individual actuarial reports; and(b)states how the individual reports agree or differ.(2)The actuaries must give a copy of the completed summary report to the Regulator, WorkCover and the old insurer, within 2 months after the final day.
The old insurer and WorkCover may agree on the liability amount having regard to the summary report.
89Reference to arbiter if no agreement on amount
(1)WorkCover or the old insurer may advise the Regulator that WorkCover and the old insurer do not agree on the liability amount.(2)If the Regulator is advised under subsection (1), the Regulator must refer the summary report to the arbiter to decide the liability amount.
(1)For section 105O(3)(b) of the Act, the old insurer must pay the agreed amount or decided amount—(a)within 3 months after the final day; or(b)on a later day agreed to by the old insurer and WorkCover.(2)The old insurer must pay WorkCover—(a)the non-scheme member’s total liability amount (the agreed amount) agreed to by the old insurer and WorkCover; or(b)if there is no agreement—the non-scheme member’s total liability amount (the decided amount) decided by the arbiter.(3)The agreed amount or decided amount paid to WorkCover must be adjusted by the actuary of the old insurer to take into account—(a)compensation and damages payments made between the assessment day and the final day; and(b)claims lodged against the non-scheme member between the assessment day and the final day.(4)The old insurer must advise the Regulator of the following no later than the day the total liability amount must be paid—(a)the amount of the total liability;(b)the day WorkCover assumes liability;(c)details of the old insurer and the non-scheme member.
91Transfer of claims information
The old insurer must give WorkCover claims information in relation to the liability no later than the day the agreed or decided amount is paid.
92Function of actuarial arbiter
The functions of the actuarial arbiter are—(a)to consider the actuarial reports and the calculations of an amount for liability made under this part; and(b)to decide on an amount for the liability.
93Selection and appointment of actuarial arbiter
(1)The arbiter is to be selected by a selection panel consisting of—(a)2 individuals nominated by the Regulator; and(b)2 individuals nominated by WorkCover; and(c)2 individuals nominated by the Association of Self Insured Employers of Queensland.(2)The arbiter must be a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries or be an Accredited Member of the Institute.(3)The Regulator must appoint the arbiter for a term of not more than 3 years.(4)The arbiter’s conditions of appointment are to be set out in the contract made between the Regulator and the arbiter.
(1)After considering the actuarial reports and the calculations of an amount for the liability by the actuaries, the arbiter must decide on—(a)the central estimate for the liability; and(b)an amount for the liability.(2)An amount for the liability decided by the arbiter must not be—(a)more than the higher of the amounts calculated by the actuaries; and(b)less than the lower of the amounts.(3)The arbiter must give a written statement of the arbiter’s decision, and the reasons for the decision, within 21 days after the summary report is referred to the arbiter.
The arbiter’s decision is final.
The arbiter’s costs in deciding a liability amount are to be paid in equal amounts by the following—(a)if the decision is for an amount of outstanding liability—WorkCover and the employer;(b)if the decision is for an amount of the total liability—the relevant parties;(c)if the decision is for an amount of liability after cancellation of the self-insurer’s licence—WorkCover and the former self-insurer;(d)if the decision is for an amount of estimated claims liability—the Regulator and the self-insurer;(e)if the decision is for an amount for non-scheme employer’s liability—WorkCover and the non-scheme employer;(f)if the decision is for an amount for a recalculation of a non-scheme employer’s liability—WorkCover and the non-scheme employer;(g)if the decision is for an amount for the total liability of a non-scheme member—WorkCover and the old insurer.
97Calculation of NWE—Act, s 106(3)
This division prescribes the way to calculate the NWE for section 106(3) of the Act.
98What amounts may be taken into account
(1)In calculating the NWE the following may be taken into account—(a)amounts paid to the worker by way of overtime, higher duties, penalties and allowances that are of a regular nature, required by an employer;(b)amounts that would have continued if not for the injury may be taken into account.(2)However, amounts mentioned in the Act, schedule 6, definition wages, paragraphs (a) to (d) must not be taken into account in calculating the NWE.
99NWE if impracticable to calculate rate of worker’s remuneration
(1)This section applies if it is impracticable, at the date of injury to a worker, to calculate the rate of the worker’s remuneration because of—(a)the period of time for which the worker has been employed; or(b)the terms of the worker’s employment.(2)In calculating the rate of the worker’s remuneration, regard must be had to—(a)the NWE during the 12 months immediately before the date of injury of a person employed by the same employer who—(i)is employed under the same or a comparable relevant industrial agreement or the same or comparable terms and conditions as the worker; and(ii)performs the same or comparable work as the worker; or(b)if paragraph (a) does not apply—the NWE during the 12 months immediately before the date of injury of a person employed by another employer who—(i)is employed under the same or comparable relevant industrial agreement or the same or comparable terms and conditions as the worker; or(ii)receives the same or comparable remuneration as the worker and performs the same or comparable work as the worker.s 99 amd 2022 SL No. 100 s 18
100NWE if worker worked for 2 or more employers
(1)This section applies if a worker has worked under concurrent contracts of service with 2 or more employers, under which the worker has worked at 1 time for 1 employer and at another time for another of the employers.(2)The worker’s NWE is to be calculated as if earnings under all the contracts were earnings in the employment of the employer for whom the worker was working when the injury was sustained.
101NWE if insurer considers calculation unfair
(1)This section applies if an insurer considers that the calculation of NWE under this division would be unfair.(2)The NWE may be calculated in a way the insurer considers to be fair, and the calculation under this subsection is taken to be the worker’s NWE.
102Application for compensation to include evidence or particulars—Act, s 132(3)(b)
(1)For section 132(3)(b) of the Act, the following evidence or particulars are prescribed—(a)the injury and its cause;(b)the nature, extent and duration of incapacity resulting from the injury;(c)if the injury is, or results in, the death of a worker, proof of—(i)the worker’s death; and(ii)the identity of the worker; and(iii)the relationship to the worker, and dependency, of persons claiming to be the worker’s dependants;(d)if the injury is a latent onset injury that is a terminal condition and the worker has dependants—proof of the relationship to the worker of persons claiming to be the worker’s dependants.(2)In this section—dependant, of a worker, means a member of the worker’s family who is completely or partly dependent on the worker’s earnings.member of the family, of a worker, means—(a)the worker’s—(i)spouse; or(ii)parent, grandparent or step-parent; or(iii)child, grandchild or stepchild; or(iv)brother, sister, half-brother or half-sister; or(b)if the worker stands in the place of a parent to another person—the other person; or(c)if another person stands in the place of a parent to the worker—the other person.
103If dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner not available
(1)This section applies if—(a)a person does not lodge a certificate in the approved form with an application made under section 132, 132A or 132B of the Act in relation to a worker; and(b)the certificate can not be provided because the dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner required to give the certificate under the section was not available to attend the worker.(2)The person must complete and lodge with the insurer a declaration in the approved form.(3)For a non-fatal injury, the declaration—(a)may be accepted by the insurer only once for injury to the worker in any 1 event; and(b)is acceptable proof of incapacity of the worker for up to 3 days.(4)The declaration is taken to be a certificate in the approved form for section 132(3)(a), 132A(3)(c)(i) or 132B(3)(c)(i) of the Act.s 103 amd 2015 SL No. 135 s 4
104Certificate given by dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner
(1)This section applies if—(a)a certificate in the approved form is not lodged with an application made under section 132, 132A or 132B of the Act in relation to a worker who sustains an injury; and(b)the worker sustained the injury in another State or country.(2)The insurer must accept a written certificate that is substantially to the effect of the approved form from the dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner who attended the worker.(3)The certificate is taken to be a certificate in the approved form for section 132(3)(a), 132A(3)(c)(i) or 132B(3)(c)(i) of the Act.(4)Also, on the insurer’s request, the dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner who attended the worker must give a detailed report on the worker’s condition to the insurer within 10 days after receiving the request.(5)The fee payable to the dentist, doctor or nurse practitioner for the report is an amount that the insurer considers to be reasonable, having regard to the relevant table of costs.s 104 amd 2015 SL No. 135 s 5
105Application for compensation for assessment of DPI—Act, s 132A(3)(c)(ii)
For section 132A(3)(c)(ii) of the Act, the following evidence or particulars are prescribed—(a)proof of the injury and its cause;(b)proof of the nature, extent and duration of incapacity resulting from the injury.
105AApplication for certificate of dependency—Act, s 132B(3)(c)(ii)
For section 132B(3)(c)(ii) of the Act, the following evidence is prescribed—(a)proof of the injury and its cause;(b)proof of the identity of the worker;(c)proof of the worker’s death;(d)proof of the relationship to the worker, and dependency, of the person claiming to be the worker’s dependant.s 105A ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 6
106Request for examination of claimant or worker—Act, ss 135 and 510
(1)A request under sections 135 and 510 of the Act for a personal examination must be made in writing.(2)The request must specify—(a)the name of the doctor or other registered person, who is not employed by the insurer under a contract of service, engaged to make the examination; and(b)if the doctor is a specialist—the field of specialty; and(c)the day, time and place for the examination.(3)A doctor or other registered person who examines a claimant or worker must, within 10 days after the examination, give the insurer—(a)a written report on the examination; and(b)an itemised account for the examination.(4)Fees payable to a doctor or other registered person for the examination—(a)are payable by the insurer; and(b)are payable for—(i)making the examination; and(ii)giving a report to the insurer; and(c)are the costs accepted by the insurer to be reasonable, having regard to the relevant table of costs.
pt 4 div 3 hdg amd 2015 SL No. 135 s 7
107Additional lump sum compensation—workers with latent onset injuries that are terminal—Act, s 128B(2)(c)
For section 128B(2)(c) of the Act, the additional lump sum compensation, and graduated scale, set out in schedule 2 are prescribed.
108Calculating lump sum compensation—Act, s 180(1)
For section 180(1) of the Act, the lump sum compensation for a worker’s DPI is calculated by multiplying the maximum statutory compensation by the worker’s DPI.A worker’s DPI is assessed as 10%. The maximum statutory compensation is $307,385. The lump sum compensation is $30,738.50.
109Additional lump sum compensation for workers with DPI of 30% or more—Act, s 192(2)
For section 192(2) of the Act, the additional lump sum compensation, and graduated scale, set out in schedule 3 are prescribed.s 109 amd 2015 SL No. 135 s 8
110Additional lump sum compensation for gratuitous care (occupational therapist’s assessment)—Act, ss 193(4) and 224(3)
For sections 193(4) and 224(3) of the Act, the prescribed way of assessing the worker’s level of dependency is the way stated in the modified barthel index.
111Additional lump sum compensation for gratuitous care (occupational therapist’s report)—Act, ss 193(5)(b) and 224(4)(b)
For sections 193(5)(b) and 224(4)(b) of the Act, the following information, relating to the level of day to day care (the level of care) provided by a person at the worker’s home, is prescribed—(a)whether the level of care was provided to the worker before the worker sustained the impairment;(b)whether the level of care would ordinarily be provided in the worker’s home;(c)if the level of care is likely to continue to be provided in the worker’s home;(d)the number of hours of the level of care required by the worker.
112Additional lump sum compensation for gratuitous care—Act, s 193(6)
(1)For section 193(6) of the Act, the additional lump sum compensation, and graduated scale, set out in schedule 4 are prescribed.(2)For section 193(6)(c) of the Act, the occupational therapist’s report is prescribed.(3)In this section—occupational therapist’s report means the report prepared by the occupational therapist under section 193(5) of the Act.
pt 4 div 3A hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 1 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112ADefinitions for div 3A
In this division—injury means an injury mentioned in section 193A(1) of the Act.panel means the panel established under section 112R.qualifying condition means the condition prescribed by section 112D.section 193A compensation, for an injury, means the additional lump sum compensation mentioned in section 193A(2) of the Act for the injury.section 193A notice see section 112G(1).specified worker means a worker to whom section 193A of the Act applies.s 112A ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112BOperation of div 3A
For section 193A of the Act, this division prescribes the following—(a)the amount of section 193A compensation for an injury;(b)the condition to which an entitlement to section 193A compensation is subject;(c)the process for deciding whether the condition mentioned in paragraph (b) is satisfied for a specified worker;(d)the establishment of a panel to review decisions made by insurers about section 193A compensation.s 112B ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 2 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112CAmount of compensation—Act, s 193A(2)(a)
For section 193A(2)(a) of the Act, the amount of section 193A compensation for an injury sustained by a specified worker in relation to whom the qualifying condition is satisfied is the amount provided for under schedule 4A.s 112C ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112DQualifying condition—Act, s 193A(2)(b)
(1)For section 193A(2)(b) of the Act, this section prescribes the condition applying to an entitlement to section 193A compensation for an injury sustained by a specified worker.(2)The worker is entitled to section 193A compensation only if—(a)the insurer is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, the worker’s employer is, or would have been, liable to pay damages to the worker; but(b)the worker can not seek damages because of the application of former section 237(1)(a)(i).(3)In this section—former section 237(1)(a)(i) means section 237(1)(a)(i) of the Act, as in force from 15 October 2013 until 31 January 2015.s 112D ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 3 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112EApplication of sdiv 3
This subdivision applies if—(a)a worker’s DPI has been decided; and(b)the worker is a specified worker.1Section 193A of the Act applies only if a worker’s DPI has been decided—see section 191 of the Act.2Also, see chapter 3, part 10 of the Act for provisions about—•assessing a worker’s injury to decide if the injury has resulted in a DPI; and•giving the worker a notice of assessment stating the DPI for the injury; and•an insurer making an offer of compensation to the worker.s 112E ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112FInsurer to consider qualifying condition
An insurer must decide—(a)whether the insurer has enough information to decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker; and(b)if the insurer decides it has enough information—whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.s 112F ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)After deciding the matters mentioned in section 112F, the insurer must give the worker a notice (a section 193A notice in the approved form.(2)If the insurer decides the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker, the section 193A notice must state the amount of section 193A compensation to which the worker is entitled for the worker’s injury.(3)If the insurer decides the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker, the section 193A notice must state—(a)the insurer’s decision; and(b)that the worker may ask the insurer for written reasons for the decision; and(c)that the worker may apply to the panel for a review of the decision only if the worker has asked the insurer for the reasons for the decision.(4)If the insurer decides it does not have enough information to decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker, the section 193A notice must state—(a)the insurer’s decision; and(b)that the worker may, within 60 business days after receiving the notice, give the insurer information to enable the insurer to decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker; and(c)that, if the worker does not give the insurer the information within the period mentioned in paragraph (b)—(i)the qualifying condition will be taken not to be satisfied for the worker; and(ii)the worker will not be entitled to section 193A compensation; and(iii)the worker will not have a right to apply to the panel for a review of the matters mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii).s 112G ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112HWorker may request reasons
(1)This section applies if an insurer has given the worker a section 193A notice stating the insurer has decided the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker.(2)The worker may, within 10 business days after receiving the notice, ask the insurer for written reasons for the decision.(3)The insurer must give the worker the reasons for the decision within 10 business days after receiving the worker’s request.s 112H ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)This section applies if the insurer has given the worker a section 193A notice stating the insurer does not have enough information to decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.(2)The worker—(a)may give the insurer information relevant to the decision within 60 business days after receiving the section 193A notice; and(b)if the worker gives information to the insurer under paragraph (a)—must advise the insurer whether the worker has engaged a lawyer and incurred legal costs in giving the information.(3)Despite subsection (2)(a), the insurer may, at the worker’s request, decide to allow the worker to give the insurer information after the period mentioned in the subsection has ended if the worker has a reasonable excuse for not giving the information during the period.(4)The qualifying condition is taken not to be satisfied for the worker if the worker does not give the insurer information relevant to the decision during the period—(a)mentioned in subsection (2)(a); or(b)decided by the insurer under subsection (3).s 112I ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112JDecision based on worker’s information
(1)This section applies if the worker has given the insurer information under section 112I.(2)The insurer must consider the information and decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.(3)The insurer must make the decision within the later of the following periods to end—(a)60 business days after receiving the information from the worker;(b)if the insurer meets with the worker under section 112K—10 business days after the day of the meeting.(4)If the insurer decides the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker, the insurer must give the worker a written notice in the approved form stating the amount of section 193A compensation to which the worker is entitled for the worker’s injury.(5)If the insurer decides the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker, the insurer must give the worker written reasons for the decision.(6)If the insurer does not make a decision within the period mentioned in subsection (3), the insurer is taken to have decided the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker.s 112J ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112KMeeting before decision made
(1)This section applies if—(a)the worker has given the insurer information under section 112I; and(b)the insurer proposes to decide the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker.(2)Before making the decision, the insurer must—(a)give the worker an opportunity to meet with the insurer to discuss the proposed decision; and(b)if the worker agrees to meet with the insurer—give the worker any relevant information the insurer holds at least 10 business days before the meeting.(3)The insurer is not required to give the worker more than 1 opportunity to meet with the insurer.(4)In this section—relevant information, in relation to a worker, means information, other than information given to the insurer by the worker, that the insurer intends to consider for making the proposed decision.s 112K ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 4 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112LDefinition for sdiv 4
In this subdivision—decision, of an insurer, includes a decision taken to have been made by the insurer under section 112J(6).s 112L ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112MApplication of sdiv 4
This subdivision applies to a worker—(a)who, under subdivision 3, has received written reasons for an insurer’s decision that the qualifying condition is not satisfied for the worker; or(b)in relation to whom an insurer is taken to have decided that the qualifying condition is not satisfied under section 112J(6).s 112M ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)The worker may apply to the panel for a review of the decision within 20 business days after—(a)the worker receives written reasons for the decision; or(b)the day on which the worker becomes aware the insurer has failed to decide whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker within the period mentioned in section 112J(3).(2)The application must include the following—(a)the worker’s reasons for asking for a review of the decision;(b)if the worker has received written reasons for the decision—the reasons;(c)if the worker has not already had an opportunity to give the insurer information about whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker—any information the worker wants the panel to consider in support of the worker’s application;(d)if the worker has engaged a lawyer and incurred legal costs in relation to the application—a statutory declaration verifying the worker has engaged the lawyer and incurred legal costs.(3)The worker must give the insurer a copy of the application.s 112N ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112OInsurer to give information to panel
As soon as practicable after receiving a copy of the worker’s application under section 112N, the insurer must give the panel and the worker any information the insurer has considered in deciding whether the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.s 112O ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)After considering the application and reviewing the insurer’s decision, the panel must decide to—(a)confirm the decision; or(b)cancel the decision and substitute a new decision.(2)The panel must give the worker and the insurer written notice of its decision and the reasons for its decision.(3)The panel’s decision—(a)is final; and(b)if the decision is to substitute a new decision—is taken to be the insurer’s decision that the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.(4)To remove any doubt, it is declared that the panel may review the insurer’s decision without receiving oral submissions.s 112P ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
112QInsurer must notify amount of entitlement
(1)This section applies if the insurer is notified by the panel that the insurer’s decision is substituted with a new decision that the qualifying condition is satisfied for the worker.(2)The insurer must give the worker a written notice in the approved form stating the amount of section 193A compensation to which the worker is entitled for the worker’s injury.s 112Q ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 5 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)For section 193A(3) of the Act, there is to be a panel made up of 1 chairperson and 2 other members.(2)The function of the panel is to meet, as required, to review decisions under subdivision 4.s 112R ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
(1)The Minister must appoint a chairperson and 2 other members to the panel, on terms decided by the Minister.(2)The Minister must ensure that each person appointed to the panel—(a)is qualified, or eligible to qualify, as a lawyer; and(b)has demonstrated significant experience relevant to the laws of personal injury and negligence.s 112S ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
The Regulator may decide administrative matters about the panel that are not provided for under this subdivision, including, for example, the way in which the panel members must meet.s 112T ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3A sdiv 6 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
To remove any doubt, it is declared that a decision made by an insurer or the panel under this division does not impose liability on, or otherwise affect the liability of, the insurer or an employer for any other purpose or proceeding.s 112U ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 9
pt 4 div 3AA hdg ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 35
112V Working out pneumoconiosis score—Act, s 36F
For section 36F(b) of the Act, the way set out in schedule 4B is prescribed.s 112V ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 35
112W Lump sum compensation for workers with pneumoconiosis—Act, s 128G
(1)For section 128G(2) of the Act, the lump sum compensation, and graduated scale, set out in schedule 4C are prescribed.(2)For section 128G(3) of the Act, the pneumoconiosis bands set out in schedule 4C are prescribed.s 112W ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 35
113Payment of caring allowance—Act, s 225(a)
(1)For section 225(a) of the Act, if an insurer pays a caring allowance, the prescribed way of payment is for the insurer to—(a)decide the number of hours of the level of care required by the worker having regard to the occupational therapist’s report, and the graduated scale set out in schedule 5; and(b)decide the allowance having regard to the information in the occupational therapist’s report; and(c)pay the allowance at an hourly rate equal to the carer pension rate divided by 35.(2)In this section—carer pension rate means the weekly amount of the maximum single carer pension rate payable from time to time under a Commonwealth law, but does not include an amount for allowances such as rent assistance or family payment.occupational therapist’s report means the report prepared by the occupational therapist under section 224(3) of the Act.
114Functions of rehabilitation and return to work coordinator—Act, s 41(b)
For section 41(b) of the Act, the following functions are prescribed—(a)initiate early communication with an injured worker in order to clarify the nature and severity of the worker’s injury;(b)provide overall coordination of the worker’s return to work;(c)if a rehabilitation and return to work plan is developed under section 220(5) of the Act—(i)consult with the worker and the worker’s employer to develop the suitable duties program component of the plan; and(ii)ensure the program is consistent with the current medical certificate or report for the worker’s injury;(d)liaise with—(i)any person engaged by the employer to help in the worker’s rehabilitation and return to work; and(ii)the insurer about the worker’s progress and indicate, as early as possible, if there is a need for the insurer to assist or intervene.s 114 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 92 sch 1
115Criteria for employer to appoint rehabilitation and return to work coordinator—Act, s 226(1)
(1)For section 226(1) of the Act, the following criteria is prescribed—(a)for an employer who employs workers at a workplace in a high risk industry—the wages of the employer in Queensland for the preceding financial year were more than 2,600 times QOTE;(b)otherwise—the wages of the employer in Queensland for the preceding financial year were more than 5,200 times QOTE.(2)For the purpose of section 226(3)(a) of the Act, an employer is taken to have established a workplace, or started to employ workers at the workplace, when the employer first meets the criteria.(3)An employer may appoint a person as the rehabilitation and return to work coordinator for more than 1 workplace if the person can reasonably perform the person’s functions as a rehabilitation and return to work coordinator for each workplace.(4)In this section—high risk industry means an industry specified by the Regulator by gazette notice.
116Standard for rehabilitation—Act, s 228(2)
For section 228(2) of the Act, the standard for the rehabilitation that the employer must provide is contained in the guidelines made by the Regulator for the purpose of this section.
(1)The Regulator must keep a copy of each guideline, as in force from time to time, available for inspection, free of charge at—(a)the department’s head office; and(b)other places the Regulator considers appropriate.(2)Also, the Regulator must publish each guideline, as in force from time to time, on the department’s website.
pt 5A hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 1 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 1 sdiv 1 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
In this division—childrens functional independence measure instrument means the functional independence measure instrument adapted for paediatrics and described on the department’s website.functional independence measure instrument means a clinical tool used to assess the functional ability of a person by scoring motor and cognitive items against a scale and described on the department’s website.s 117A ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 1 sdiv 2 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
For section 232M(2)(a) of the Act, this subdivision prescribes the eligibility criteria for particular serious personal injuries.s 117B ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117C Eligibility criteria for permanent spinal cord injury
(1)The eligibility criteria for a permanent spinal cord injury resulting in a permanent neurological deficit are—(a)the permanent neurological deficit is classified as grade A, B, C or D on the ASIA impairment scale, as assessed under the ISNCSCI; and(b)the injury has resulted in a residual significant impact on the function of the autonomic nervous system, evidenced by a score of 0 for an item relating to bladder, bowel or sexual function, as assessed under the ISAFSCI.(2)In this section—ASIA impairment scale means the scale, known as the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale, used for measuring impairment resulting from a spinal cord injury and published by the American Spinal Injury Association.ISAFSCI means the document called ‘International standards to document remaining autonomic function after spinal cord injury’, published by the American Spinal Injury Association.ISNCSCI means the document called ‘International standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury’, published by the American Spinal Injury Association.s 117C ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117D Eligibility criteria for traumatic brain injury
(1)The eligibility criteria for a traumatic brain injury resulting in a permanent impairment are—(a)any or all of the following apply—(i)the injury results in post-traumatic amnesia lasting 7 days or more as evidenced by an assessment using an approved scale;(ii)the worker is or was in a coma, other than an induced coma, for 1 hour or more as a result of the injury;(iii)brain imaging shows a significant brain abnormality as a result of the injury; and(b)the worker’s functional ability as a result of the injury is assessed as 5 or less for a motor or cognitive item using—(i)for an adult—the functional independence measure instrument; or(ii)for a child—the childrens functional independence measure instrument.(2)In this section—approved scale, for assessing post-traumatic amnesia, means—(a)the Westmead PTA scale; or(b)a clinically accepted scale similar to the Westmead PTA scale approved by the Regulator for this definition.Westmead PTA scale means the clinical tool, known as the Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale, used to assess the period a person suffers post-traumatic amnesia.s 117D ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117E Eligibility criterion for the amputation of a leg through or above the femur
(1)The eligibility criterion for the amputation of a leg through or above the femur is that the amputation involves the loss of 65% or more of the length of the femur.(2)For subsection (1), the percentage of the length of the femur lost must be worked out by—(a)comparing the length of the femur before and after the amputation using X-rays taken before and after the amputation; or(b)if X-rays of the femur are not available—comparing the length of the femur of the amputated leg with the length of the contralateral femur.(3)To remove any doubt, it is declared that the eligibility criterion in subsection (1) may be satisfied even if the worker suffers from a personal injury that is the amputation of more than 1 limb or parts of different limbs.s 117E ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117F Eligibility criteria for the amputation of more than 1 limb or parts of different limbs
(1)The eligibility criteria for the amputation of more than 1 limb or parts of different limbs are—(a)the amputations involve the loss of 50% or more of the length of each of the worker’s tibias; or(b)both of the worker’s upper limbs are amputated at or above the first metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and index finger of each hand; or(c)the amputations involve—(i)the loss of 50% or more of the length of 1 of the worker’s tibias; and(ii)1 of the worker’s upper limbs being amputated at or above the first metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and index finger of the same hand.(2)For subsection (1), the percentage of the length of the tibia lost must be worked out by—(a)comparing the length of the tibia before and after the amputation using X-rays taken before and after the amputation; or(b)if X-rays of the tibia are not available—comparing the length of the tibia of the amputated leg with the length of the contralateral tibia; or(c)if the length of the contralateral tibia can not be determined—using the estimated knee height based on overall height before the amputation.s 117F ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117G Eligibility criteria for a full thickness burn to all or part of the body
The eligibility criteria for a full thickness burn to all or part of the body are—(a)the full thickness burn is to—(i)for a worker younger than 16 years—more than 30% of the total body surface area; or(ii)for a worker 16 years or older—more than 40% of the total body surface area; or(iii)both hands; or(iv)the face; or(v)the genital area; and(b)the worker’s functional ability as a result of the injury is assessed as 5 or less for a motor or cognitive item using—(i)for an adult—the functional independence measure instrument; or(ii)for a child—the childrens functional independence measure instrument.s 117G ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117H Eligibility criterion for an inhalation burn resulting in a permanent respiratory impairment
The eligibility criterion for an inhalation burn resulting in a permanent respiratory impairment is that the worker’s functional ability as a result of the injury is assessed as 5 or less for a motor or cognitive item using—(a)for an adult—the functional independence measure instrument; or(b)for a child—the childrens functional independence measure instrument.s 117H ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117I Eligibility criterion for permanent blindness caused by trauma
(1)The eligibility criterion for permanent blindness caused by trauma is that the injured person has a visual defect, or a combination of visual defects, that result in visual loss that is, or is equivalent to—(a)visual acuity of less than 6/60 in both eyes, assessed using the Snellen scale after correction by suitable lenses; or(b)the constriction of the worker’s field of vision to 10 degrees or less of the arc around central fixation in the worker’s better eye, regardless of corrected visual acuity (equivalent to 1/100 white test object).(2)In this section—Snellen scale means the scale for measuring visual acuity using rows of letters printed in decreasing sizes.s 117I ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 1 sdiv 3 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117J Requirements for using functional independence measure instrument or childrens functional independence measure instrument to assess injuries
An assessment using the functional independence measure instrument or childrens functional independence measure instrument may be used for deciding whether a serious personal injury meets the eligibility criteria for the injury only if the assessment is carried out by a person who is—(a)accredited by the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre to carry out the assessment; and(b)approved by the insurer to carry out the assessment.s 117J ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 2 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 2 sdiv 1 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232O(2)(a) of the Act, this section prescribes requirements about assessing a matter mentioned in section 232O(1)(a) of the Act.(2)In carrying out the assessment, the insurer must, to the extent practicable, consult with the worker about the following matters—(a)the treatment, care and support needs resulting from the serious personal injury the worker considers are necessary and reasonable;(b)the treatment, care or support needed by the worker for any other injury resulting from the same event as the serious personal injury;(c)the worker’s abilities and limitations;(d)the worker’s individual goals.(3)The insurer may also consult with any other person the insurer considers appropriate.s 117K ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117L Intervals for carrying out assessments
For section 232O(2)(a) of the Act, an assessment under section 232O(1)(a) of the Act for an eligible worker must be carried out—(a)as soon as practicable after the insurer decides the worker is entitled to treatment, care and support payments; and(b)if an assessment has been previously carried out for the worker—within 1 year after the last assessment was carried out.s 117L ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 2 sdiv 2 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232N(b) of the Act, this subdivision prescribes matters the insurer must consider in deciding whether an eligible worker’s treatment, care and support needs resulting from the worker’s serious personal injury are necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.(2)This subdivision does not limit the matters the insurer may consider in making a decision mentioned in subsection (1).s 117M ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)The insurer must consider whether providing treatment, care or support for, or relating to, the worker’s treatment, care and support needs—(a)is likely to maximise the worker’s independence, participation in the community and employment; and(b)will assist the worker in managing the injury.(2)In considering the matters mentioned in subsection (1), the insurer must also have regard to the following matters—(a)whether the treatment, care or support relates directly to the worker’s individual goals;(b)whether the treatment, care or support will improve or maintain the worker’s ability to conduct daily activities or participate in the community or employment;(c)whether the treatment, care or support has been provided to the worker previously, resulting in an improvement to, or assistance in managing, the worker’s injury;(d)whether the treatment, care or support has a measurable outcome;(e)whether the worker has agreed or is likely to agree that the treatment, care or support will benefit the worker in the ways mentioned in subsection (1);(f)any associated risks of the treatment, care or support to the worker, weighed against the expected benefit of the treatment, care or support to the worker.s 117N ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117O Appropriateness of service
(1)The insurer must consider whether treatment, care or support for, or relating to, the worker’s treatment, care and support needs—(a)is consistent with other treatment, care or support being received by the worker; and(b)is consistent with current clinical practice and other industry best practice for the treatment, care or support of persons with similar injuries.(2)In considering the matters mentioned in subsection (1), the insurer must also have regard to the following matters—(a)whether the treatment, care or support will be consistent with the worker’s future treatment, care or support needs;(b)whether the treatment, care or support relates directly to the worker’s individual goals;(c)whether the treatment, care or support could be harmful to the worker;(d)whether similar treatment, care or support is already being, or is to be, provided to the worker for the injury;(e)whether there is evidence that supports the effectiveness of the treatment, care or support.•peer-reviewed journal articles•inclusion of the treatment in clinical guidelines and frameworks•successful clinical trials•inclusion in the medical benefits schedule administered by the Commonwealths 117O ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117P Appropriateness of provider
(1)The insurer must consider whether treatment, care or support for, or relating to, the worker’s treatment, care and support needs is provided by an appropriate provider.(2)In considering the matter mentioned in subsection (1), the insurer must also have regard to the following matters—(a)whether the provider, or the provider’s staff, are appropriately qualified to provide the treatment, care or support;(b)whether the provider is appropriate having regard to, for example, the worker’s location, age, culture and ethnicity;(c)whether the provider is acceptable to the worker;(d)whether the provider has or may have a conflict of interest in providing the treatment, care or support to the worker;(e)whether the provider’s fee is reasonable;(f)if, under section 232K(2) of the Act, the treatment, care or support must be provided by a registered provider—whether the provider is a registered provider.s 117P ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)The insurer must consider whether treatment, care or support for, or relating to, the worker’s treatment, care and support needs is cost-effective.(2)In considering the matter mentioned in subsection (1), the insurer must also have regard to the following matters—(a)the likely benefit to the worker of receiving the treatment, care or support weighed against the cost of providing the treatment, care or support to the worker;(b)the cost of the treatment, care or support compared with the cost of the same or similar treatment, care or support provided by other suitable providers;(c)whether there is a more cost-effective way to provide the treatment, care or support;•considering whether leasing equipment would be more cost-effective than purchasing new equipment•considering whether the treatment, care or support can be more appropriately funded under another scheme(d)whether the cost of the treatment, care or support is reasonable having regard to the period for which it is required;(e)whether the cost of the treatment, care or support exceeds an amount prescribed for the treatment, care or support under section 232R(4) of the Act.s 117Q ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 2 sdiv 3 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117R Additional requirement about assessing particular treatment, care or support
(1)This section applies if the insurer is assessing a worker’s needs for, or relating to—(a)home modification; or(b)transport modification; or(c)workplace modification; or(d)attendant care and support services that are personal assistance services or services to assist a person to participate in the community.(2)In carrying out the assessment, the insurer must obtain and consider information about the needs mentioned in subsection (1) from a person who is appropriately qualified to give advice about the needs.Example of appropriately qualified persons—
an occupational therapist specialising in home or workplace modificationss 117R ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117S Treatment, care or support that must be provided by a registered provider
For section 232K(2)(b) of the Act, the following treatment, care or support is prescribed—(a)a home modification;(b)workplace modification;(c)a service for the coordination of treatment, care or support.a case manager engaged to coordinate a worker’s treatment, care and supports 117S ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 2 sdiv 4 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232O(3) of the Act, this section prescribes requirements about an eligible worker’s support plan.(2)The support plan must state—(a)the name of the worker; and(b)the outcomes of the assessment under section 232O(1)(a) of the Act; and(c)the matters stated in section 117K(2), if known by the insurer; and(d)any treatment, care and support needs resulting from the worker’s serious personal injury the insurer considers are necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; and(e)any treatment, care or support resulting from any other injury resulting from the same event as the serious personal injury that the insurer considers is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; and(f)any other treatment, care or support for the serious personal injury, or any other injury resulting from the same event as the serious personal injury, the insurer agrees to, wholly or partly, pay for under chapter 4A of the Act, having regard to the following matters—(i)whether the treatment, care or support is needed by the worker as a result of the injury;(ii)whether it would be fair and reasonable in the circumstances for the insurer to pay for the treatment, care or support, wholly or partly;(iii)whether providing the treatment, care or support will, or is likely to, reduce the worker’s treatment, care and support needs for the injury;(iv)whether the insurer considers, wholly or partly, paying for the treatment, care or support is more practical or cost-effective than the insurer paying for the worker’s treatment, care and support needs for the injury, without compromising the level of treatment, care or support received by the worker under chapter 4A of the Act;(v)whether the treatment, care or support is excluded treatment, care or support;(vi)where the treatment, care or support is to be provided, including, for example, whether the treatment, care or support is to be provided outside Australia; and(g)the intervals at which an assessment under section 232O(1)(a) of the Act will be carried out for the worker.(3)The support plan must be consistent with an existing decision on a service request relating to the worker.(4)However, subsection (3) applies only to the extent the support plan relates to the period covered by the existing decision.s 117T ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232O(5) of the Act, this section prescribes requirements about amending an eligible worker’s support plan under section 232O(4)(a) of the Act.(2)An amendment of the support plan must be consistent with an existing decision on a service request relating to the worker.(3)However, subsection (2) applies only to the extent the support plan relates to the period covered by the existing decision.s 117U ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232P(4) of the Act, this section prescribes the matters an insurer must consider in deciding a service request relating to an eligible worker.(2)The insurer must consider the following matters—(a)whether or not the requested service relates to—(i)the worker’s treatment, care and support needs resulting from the worker’s serious personal injury; or(ii)the worker’s need for treatment, care or support resulting from another injury resulting from the same event as the worker’s serious personal injury;(b)if the requested service relates to the treatment, care and support needs mentioned in paragraph (a)(i)—whether or not the needs are necessary and reasonable in the circumstances;(c)if the requested service relates to the treatment, care or support mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii)—whether or not the treatment, care or support is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances;(d)if the requested service does not relate to treatment, care and support needs or treatment, care or support mentioned in paragraph (a), or the insurer does not consider the needs or the treatment, care or support mentioned in the paragraph are necessary and reasonable in the circumstances—whether or not the insurer considers the insurer should, wholly or partly, pay for the requested service under chapter 4A of the Act, having regard to the matters mentioned in section 117T(2)(f).s 117V ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 3 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117W Circumstances in which payment request may be made
(1)For section 232Q(3)(b) of the Act, this section prescribes the circumstances for making a payment request for an expense for the treatment, care or support of an eligible worker.(2)A payment request may not be made for the expense if—(a)the person has entered into a funding agreement with the insurer for the treatment, care or support; and(b)the expense was incurred in the period covered by the funding agreement.(3)A payment request must be made within 6 months after the expense is incurred.(4)However, the insurer may accept a later payment request if the insurer considers it is fair and reasonable in the circumstances to accept the request.s 117W ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
(1)For section 232R(2) of the Act, this section prescribes matters about an insurer deciding a payment request for an expense for the treatment, care or support of an eligible worker.(2)If the insurer makes an information request and the person of whom it is made does not provide the information requested by the stated day or a later day agreed between the insurer and the person—(a)the payment request lapses; and(b)the insurer is not required to approve or refuse the request.(3)The insurer must approve the payment request if—(a)the expense is incurred in the eligibility period for the worker; and(b)the treatment, care or support the request relates to is an approved service for the worker.(4)To remove any doubt, it is declared that the insurer may approve the payment request even though the treatment, care or support the request relates to is not an approved service for the worker.(5)In this section—approved service does not include treatment, care or support that is excluded treatment, care or support, unless—(a)if a support plan has been made for the eligible worker—the excluded treatment, care or support is specifically stated in the support plan to be—(i)treatment, care or support for, or relating to, the worker’s treatment, care and support needs resulting from the worker’s serious personal injury the insurer considers is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; or(ii)treatment, care or support resulting from another injury resulting from the same event as the worker’s serious personal injury the insurer considers is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; or(iii)treatment, care or support the insurer agrees to, wholly or partly, pay for under chapter 4A of the Act; or(b)if a support plan has not been made for the eligible worker—the excluded treatment, care or support is specifically approved under an approval of a service request relating to the worker.information request, for a payment request, means a written request made by the insurer—(a)asking a relevant person for further information about the payment request by a stated day of at least 10 business days after the insurer makes the request; and(b)stating that, if the requested information is not given to the insurer by the stated day, the payment request will lapse.relevant person, for an information request, means—(a)the person who made the payment request; or(b)if the person who made the payment request is not the eligible worker—the eligible worker.s 117X ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117Y Limit on amount payable under payment request
For section 232R(4) of the Act, the amount prescribed is—(a)for medical treatment or rehabilitation—the amount stated in the relevant table of costs; or(b)for hospitalisation of the worker as an in-patient at a private hospital—the amount stated in section 217(3) of the Act; or(c)for hospitalisation of the worker as an in-patient at a public hospital—the amount stated in section 218A(3) of the Act.s 117Y ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
pt 5A div 4 hdg ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
117ZReview of worker’s entitlement
(1)This section prescribes matters for a review of a worker’s entitlement to treatment, care and support payments under section 232S of the Act.(2)The insurer must give the worker written notice of the review at least 20 business days before carrying out the review.(3)In carrying out the review, the insurer may ask the worker to give the insurer information needed to make a decision about the worker’s entitlement at the end of the review.s 117Z ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 50
118Notice of claim for damages—Act, s 275
For section 275(3) of the Act, the particulars contained in this division are prescribed.
119Particulars of claimant and worker
(1)A notice of claim must include—(a)the worker’s—(i)full name and any other known names; and(ii)residential address; and(iii)date of birth; and(iv)gender; and(v)usual occupation and, if that differs from the nature of employment at the time the worker was injured, the nature of the employment at that time; and(b)the name and address of every employer of the worker at the time the worker was injured.(2)Also, if the claimant is not the worker, the notice of claim must include the claimant’s—(a)full name and any other known names; and(b)residential address; and(c)date of birth; and(d)gender.
A notice of claim must include the following—(a)the date, time and place of the event;(b)the claimant’s description of the facts of the circumstances surrounding the worker’s injury;(c)the names and addresses of all witnesses to the injury, and their relationship, if any, to the worker;(d)the name and address of any person on behalf of the claimant’s employer to whom the claimant reported the injury and the details of their employment;(e)the full particulars of the negligence alleged against the claimant’s employer and any other party on which the claim is based;(f)if a party other than the claimant’s employer is involved—(i)the liability expressed as a percentage that the claimant holds the other party responsible; and(ii)details of the notice of claim given to the party.
(1)A notice of claim must include, full particulars of the nature and extent of—(a)all injuries alleged to have been sustained by the claimant or worker because of the event resulting in the injury; and(b)the degree of permanent impairment that the claimant alleges has resulted from the injuries; and(c)the amount of damages sought under each head of damage claimed by the claimant and the method of calculating each amount; and(d)how the claimant or worker is currently affected by the injuries.(2)Also, the notice of claim must include all personal injuries, illnesses and impairments of a medical, psychiatric or psychological nature sustained by the claimant or worker, either before or after the event—(a)that may affect—(i)the extent of the permanent impairment resulting from the injury to which the claim relates: or(ii)the amount of damages in another way; and(b)for which the claimant has claimed damages, compensation or benefits—(i)the name and address of any person against whom a claim for damages or compensation was made; and(ii)if an insurer or other insurance provider was involved in that claim—the name and address of that entity.
122Particulars of hospital, treatment and rehabilitation
(1)A notice of claim must include the name and address of each of the following—(a)each hospital at which the claimant or worker has been treated for the injury;(b)each doctor who treated the claimant or worker for the injury;(c)each provider of treatment or rehabilitation services assessed, treated, or provided treatment or rehabilitation services for, permanent impairment arising from the injury.(2)Also, if section 121(2) applies, the notice of claim must include the name and address of—(a)each hospital at which the claimant or worker has been treated for an injury, illness or impairment; and(b)each doctor who treated the claimant for the injury, illness or impairment.
123Particulars if claim for diminished income earning capacity
If the claimant claims damages for diminished income earning capacity, a notice of claim must include the following particulars of the claimant’s employment for the 3 year period immediately before the event, and the period since the event—(a)the name and address of each of the claimant’s employers;(b)the period of employment by each employer;(c)the capacity in which the claimant was employed by each employer;(d)the claimant’s gross and net (after tax) earnings for each period of employment;(e)the periods during which the claimant was receiving payments from Centrelink on behalf of the department in which the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) is administered;(f)the periods during which the claimant received no income, and the reasons why the claimant was not receiving any income.See also section 276 of the Act.
124Particulars if injury causes death
(1)A notice of claim relating to an injury causing death must include the following additional particulars—(a)if the claimant is the spouse of the deceased worker—(i)the relevant date; and(ii)the relevant place; and(iii)the claimant’s net (after tax) weekly income immediately before and after the worker’s death; and(iv)the age to which the claimant intended to work and the basis of the claimant’s future employment, that is, whether full-time or part-time; and(v)details of any health problems that the claimant currently has; and(vi)the amount of average weekly financial benefit derived by the claimant from the deceased worker before the worker’s death and the method of calculating the amount; and(vii)the expected date of birth of a posthumous child of the relationship; and(viii)details of any remarriage or start of a marriage-like relationship; or(b)if the claimant is not the spouse of the deceased worker—(i)the claimant’s relationship to the deceased worker; and(ii)the claimant’s net (after tax) weekly earnings; and(iii)the age to which the claimant would have been dependent on the deceased worker and the basis of the dependency; and(iv)details of any health problems that the claimant currently has; and(v)the amount of average weekly financial benefit derived by the claimant from the deceased worker immediately before the worker’s death and the method of calculating the amount.(2)In this section—relevant date means—(a)the date of marriage; or(b)the date the civil partnership had effect; or(c)the date on which the de facto relationship started.relevant place means—(a)the place of the marriage; or(b)the place of registration of the civil partnership; or(c)the residential address where the de facto relationship started.s 124 amd 2016 SL No. 15 s 22 sch 1
A notice of claim must include all steps taken by the worker or claimant to mitigate their loss.
126Time for adding another person as contributor—Act, s 278A(1)
For section 278A(1) of the Act, the prescribed time is the later of the following—(a)30 business days after the insurer receives the notice of claim;(b)5 business days after the insurer identifies someone else as a contributor.
127Contribution notice to contain particular information—Act, s 278B(1)(a)
For section 278B(1)(a) of the Act, the following information is prescribed—(a)the contributor’s full name;(b)the contributor’s business address;(c)the contributor’s postal address;(d)the name and contact details of the contributor’s legal representatives, if appointed;(e)the contributor’s ABN, if any;(f)if the contributor is a corporation—(i)the corporation’s ACN; and(ii)the corporation’s registered office.
128Prescribed amount of damages for loss of consortium or loss of servitium—Act, s 306M(1)(b)
For an injury sustained during a period stated in an item of the following table, the amount stated in the item is prescribed.
Item
Period (dates inclusive)
Amount
1
1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011
$35,340
2
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012
$36,350
3
1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013
$38,290
4
1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014
$39,430
5
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015
$40,920
6
1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017
$41,920
7
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018
$42,650
8
1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019
$43,960
9
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020
$45,290
10
1 July 2020 and after
28.78 times QOTE
s 128 sub 2015 SL No. 47 s 12
amd 2017 SL No. 110 s 12; 2018 SL No. 82 s 10; 2019 SL No. 113 s 10; 2019 Act No. 33 s 82
129Rules for assessing injury scale value—Act, s 306O(1)(c)(i)
For section 306O(1)(c)(i) of the Act, a court must have regard to the following—(a)for assessment of the ranges of injury scale value—the ranges mentioned in schedule 9;(b)for matters to which a court is to have regard in the application of schedule 9—the rules mentioned in schedule 8;(c)for the PIRS that must be used with schedule 9—the scales mentioned in schedule 11;(d)for matters relevant to the application of schedule 11 and requirements with which a medical expert must comply in assessing a PIRS rating—the matters mentioned in schedule 10.
130General damages calculation provisions—Act, s 306P(2), definition general damages calculation provisions
(1)For each period stated in a table in schedule 12, this section and that table are the general damages calculation provisions for the period.(2)For an injury within the injury scale value stated in an item of any of tables 1 to 9, the general damages are the sum of—(a)the base amount for the item (if any); and(b)the variable amount for the item.(3)For an injury within the injury scale value stated in an item of a table other than a table mentioned in subsection (2), the general damages are the amount worked out in the way stated in the column of the table with the heading ‘general damages’.(4)In this section—variable amount means the amount worked out in the way stated in the column of a table with the heading ‘variable amount’.s 130 sub 2015 SL No. 47 s 13
amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 83
131Prescribed amount of award for future loss—Act, s 306R(2)
For an injury sustained during a period stated in an item of the following table, the amount stated in the item is prescribed.
Item
Period (dates inclusive)
Amount
1
1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011
$117,800
2
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012
$121,160
3
1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013
$127,620
4
1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014
$131,420
5
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015
$136,400
6
1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017
$139,740
7
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018
$142,160
8
1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019
$146,540
9
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020
$150,970
10
1 July 2020 and after
95.92 times QOTE
s 131 sub 2015 SL No. 47 s 13
amd 2017 SL No. 110 s 13; 2018 SL No. 82 s 11; 2019 SL No. 113 s 11; 2019 Act No. 33 s 84
132Costs—proceeding before industrial magistrate or industrial commission
(1)A decision to award costs of a proceeding heard by an industrial magistrate or the industrial commission is at the discretion of the magistrate or commission.(2)If the magistrate or commission awards costs—(a)costs in relation to counsel’s or solicitor’s fees are as under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999, schedule 2, part 2, scale C; and(b)costs in relation to witnesses’ fees and expenses are as under the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019, part 3; and(c)costs in relation to bailiff’s fees are as under the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019, schedule 2, part 2.(3)The magistrate or commission may allow costs up to 1.5 times the amounts provided for under subsection (2)(a), in total or in relation to any item, if the magistrate or commission is satisfied the amounts are inadequate having regard to—(a)the work involved; or(b)the importance, difficulty or complexity of the matter to which the proceeding relates.s 132 amd 2018 SL No. 127 s 77; 2019 SL No. 168 s 37 sch 5
133Payment of additional amount for costs
(1)This section applies if—(a)the Regulator or an insurer is required to pay costs in a proceeding in relation to a witness who—(i)is a medical practitioner; or(ii)gives evidence of a professional nature; and(b)the amount of fees and expenses payable in relation to the witness by the party that called the witness is more than the amount of costs allowed by the industrial magistrate or the industrial commission.(2)The Regulator or the insurer may, on the application of the party that called the witness, pay an additional amount for costs that the Regulator or the insurer is satisfied are reasonable, having regard to the subject matter of the proceeding.
134Who this division applies to
This division applies to a claimant who is—(a)a worker whose DPI is 20% or more; or(b)a worker who has a terminal condition; or(c)a dependant.
135Costs before proceeding started
(1)This section prescribes the legal professional costs of a claim before a proceeding is started.(2)If a claimant recovers at least $150,000 net damages, the costs are—(a)if the claim is settled—(i)without holding a compulsory conference—120% of the amount in schedule 6, column A; or(ii)after a compulsory conference is held—the amounts in schedule 6, columns A and B; and(b)for investigation of liability by an expert—the amount in schedule 6, column C; and(c)for an application to the court—the amount in schedule 6, column D.(3)If a claimant recovers net damages of $50,000 or more but less than $150,000, the costs are 85% of the amount calculated under subsection (2).(4)If a claimant recovers less than $50,000 net damages, the costs are 85% of the amount calculated under subsection (2) multiplied by the proportion that the net damages bear to $50,000.If the net damages recovered are $30,000, the costs are (85% of the amount calculated under subsection (2)) x 3/5.(5)However, if a court in the proceeding awards the payment of legal costs, the costs recoverable under subsections (2), (3) and (4) are multiplied by 120%.(6)In this section—net damages means the damages recovered less the compensation paid by an insurer.
136Costs after proceeding started
(1)This section prescribes the legal professional costs of a claim after a proceeding is started.(2)The costs are chargeable under the relevant scales of costs for work done for or in a proceeding in the court.(3)However, the costs do not include—(a)the cost of work performed before the proceeding is started; or(b)the cost of work performed before the proceeding is started that is performed again after the proceeding is started.
(1)In addition to legal costs, the following outlays incurred by the claimant are allowed—(a)1 hospital report fee for each hospital that treated the worker’s injury;(b)1 report fee for each doctor in general practice who treated the worker’s injury;(c)1 medical specialist’s report fee for each medical discipline reasonably relevant and necessary for the understanding of the worker’s injury;(d)1 report fee of an expert investigating liability, of not more than $1,000, less any proportion of the fee agreed to be paid by the insurer;(e)Australian Taxation Office or tax agents’ fees for supplying copies of income tax returns;(f)fees charged by the claimant’s previous employers for giving information necessary for the claimant to complete the notice of claim, but not more than $50 for each employer;(g)fees charged by a mediator of an amount previously agreed to by the insurer;(h)filing fees or other necessary charges incurred in relation to an application to the court before a proceeding is started;(i)reasonable fees for sundry items properly incurred, other than photocopying costs.(2)The fees—(a)are allowable only for reports mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (d) disclosed before the start of proceedings; and(b)for subsection (1)(a) to (c)—are payable according to the recommended Australian Medical Association scale of fees.
138Medical assessment tribunals—Act, s 492
For section 492 of the Act each of the following is prescribed—(a)the General Medical Assessment Tribunal;(b)specialty medical tribunals, including the following—(i)the Cardiac Assessment Tribunal;(ii)the Orthopaedic Assessment Tribunal;(iii)the Dermatology Assessment Tribunal;(iv)the Ear, Nose and Throat Assessment Tribunal;(v)the Neurology/Neurosurgical Assessment Tribunal;(vi)the Ophthalmology Assessment Tribunal;(vii)the Disfigurement Assessment Tribunal;(c)the Composite Medical Assessment Tribunal.
139Constitution of General Medical Assessment Tribunal
(1)For deciding a matter referred to the General Medical Assessment Tribunal, the tribunal is constituted by—(a)if the chairperson is a specialist—(i)the chairperson; and(ii)2 appointees to the panel of doctors for the tribunal chosen by the chairperson; or(b)if the chairperson is not a specialist and there is at least 1 deputy chairperson who is a specialist—(i)a deputy chairperson who is a specialist chosen by the Regulator; and(ii)2 appointees to the panel of doctors for the tribunal chosen by the deputy chairperson; or(c)otherwise—(i)the chairperson; and(ii)2 appointees to the panel of doctors for the tribunal designated by the chairperson.(2)When choosing a member of the panel for the tribunal under subsection (1)(a)(ii), (b)(ii) or (c)(ii), the chairperson or deputy chairperson must consider the medical specialty that is relevant to the matters referred to the tribunal.(3)In this section—specialist means a specialist in the medical specialty relevant to the matters referred to the tribunal.
140Chairperson and deputy chairperson of General Medical Assessment Tribunal
(1)A chairperson must preside over meetings of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal.(2)However, if a deputy chairperson is designated under section 139(1)(b)(i) for deciding a matter referred to the General Medical Assessment Tribunal, the deputy chairperson must act as chairperson and preside over the meetings of the tribunal for deciding the matter.(3)Also, if the chairperson is not available to attend to the business of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal, other than deciding a matter mentioned in subsection (2), a deputy chairperson must act as chairperson.(4)A deputy chairperson may act as a member of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal only if the deputy chairperson has been chosen for the purpose—(a)under section 139; or(b)by the chairperson.
141Constitution of a specialty medical tribunal
(1)For deciding a matter referred to a specialty medical tribunal, the tribunal is constituted by—(a)its chairperson; and(b)2 appointees to the panel of doctors for the tribunal, including persons appointed to the panel as deputy chairpersons, chosen by the chairperson.(2)When choosing a member of the panel for a specialty medical tribunal, the chairperson must consider the medical specialty that is relevant to the matters referred to the tribunal for decision.
142Chairperson and deputy chairperson of a specialty medical tribunal
(1)The chairperson must preside over meetings of a specialty medical tribunal.(2)If the chairperson is not available to attend to the business of a specialty medical tribunal—(a)if there is only 1 deputy chairperson of the tribunal—the deputy chairperson must act as chairperson; or(b)if there is more than 1 deputy chairperson of the tribunal—a deputy chairperson designated by the chairperson must act as chairperson.
143Constitution of Composite Medical Tribunal
(1)The constitution of a Composite Medical Tribunal is to be decided by—(a)the chairperson of the tribunal; and(b)if the chairperson of the tribunal is not the chairperson of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal—the chairperson of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal; and(c)the chairperson of each specialty medical assessment tribunal relevant to the matters to be decided.(2)The chairpersons must consult with the secretary of a Composite Medical Tribunal about the constitution of the tribunal.(3)When deciding the constitution of a Composite Medical Tribunal, the chairpersons must consider the medical specialty that is relevant to the matter referred to the tribunal for decision.(4)For deciding a matter referred to a Composite Medical Tribunal, the tribunal is constituted by—(a)a chairperson; and(b)at least 2 but not more than 4 appointees to the panel of doctors for the composite tribunal chosen by the chairperson.(5)For a serious personal injury matter, the chairperson is the chairperson of the General Medical Assessment Tribunal.(6)The composite tribunal must consist of at least 1 specialist for each type of injury that is a subject of the reference to the tribunal.(7)However, the number of specialists for each type of injury must be equal.A worker has a post-traumatic stress disorder and a fractured arm, leg, and ribs. The tribunal would consist of—(a)1 psychiatrist and 1 orthopaedic surgeon; or(b)2 psychiatrists and 2 orthopaedic surgeons.(8)If, because of subsection (6), there would be an even number of members on the composite tribunal, the chairperson must also designate a physician to be a member of the tribunal.A worker has 3 different types of injuries. The tribunal would consist of the chairperson and 3 specialists. A physician is also to be a member of the tribunal.(9)In this section—serious personal injury matter means a matter referred to the tribunal under—(a)section 500(1)(fa), (fb) or (fc) of the Act; or(b)the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Act 2016, section 113.s 143 amd 2016 Act No. 44 s 51
144Chairperson and deputy chairperson of Composite Medical Tribunal
(1)The chairperson must preside over meetings of a Composite Medical Tribunal.(2)If the chairperson is not available to attend to the business of a Composite Medical Tribunal—(a)if there is only 1 deputy chairperson of the tribunal—the deputy chairperson must act as chairperson; or(b)if there is more than 1 deputy chairperson of the tribunal—a deputy chairperson designated by the chairperson must act as chairperson.
144AFirst responders—Act, s 36EB
For section 36EB(a) of the Act, each of the occupations or professions mentioned in schedule 6A is prescribed.s 144A ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 8
144BEligible employees—Act, s 36EC
For section 36EC(1)(a) of the Act, each of the entities mentioned in schedule 6B is prescribed.s 144B ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 8
144CPresumption of injury—Act, s 36ED
(1)For section 36ED(1)(a) of the Act, the way prescribed is using the diagnostic criteria provided under DSM 5 for post-traumatic stress disorder.(2)In this section—DSM 5 means the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’, 5th edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013.s 144C ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 8
145Declaration of designated courts—Act, s 114(4), definition designated court
(1)This section is made for section 114(4) of the Act, definition designated court, paragraph (b).(2)Each court, tribunal or decision-making body mentioned in schedule 7, column 2, set out opposite the name of a State in schedule 7, column 1, is declared.
146Declaration of provisions—Act, s 322(2), definition a State’s legislation about damages for a work related injury
(1)This section is made for section 322(2) of the Act, definition a State’s legislation about damages for a work related injury, paragraph (b).(2)Each provision mentioned in schedule 7, column 3, set out opposite the name of a State in schedule 7, column 1, is declared.
146AWorkCover funding and provision of programs and incentives—Act, s 385A, definition prescribed entity
Each of the following entities is prescribed for section 385A of the Act, definition prescribed entity—(a)the chief inspector under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999;(b)the chief inspector under the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999;(c)the chief inspector under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004;(d)the general manager under the Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002;(e)the chief executive of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator under the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Act 2017;(f)the chief executive officer of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator under the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012.s 146A ins 2019 Act No. 33 s 85
147Documents and particulars to be kept—Act, s 532D(1) and (2)
(1)For section 532D(1) and (2) of the Act, the following are prescribed—(a)if the employer must keep a time and wages record for the employee under the Industrial Relations Act 1999, section 366—the time and wages record; or(b)if the employer must keep an employee’s records under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth), section 535—the employee record; or(c)documents, or accurate and complete copies of documents, required to be kept under a law of the Commonwealth for payments made to the employer’s workers or contractors for the performance of work, including, for example—(i)group certificates; and(ii)group employer’s reconciliation statements; and(iii)tax invoices to claim a GST credit; and(iv)invoices from a contractor received for work; or(d)the person’s profit and loss account, to the extent the account relates to amounts paid for wages for workers, or to contractors.(2)However, a document mentioned in subsection (1)(c) or (d) need not contain information an employer or contractor reasonably believes is—(a)confidential; and(b)not necessary to enable the Regulator or WorkCover to calculate the person’s actual expenditure on wages or for contracts for the period to which the document relates.•income and profit lines•tax file numbers(3)An employer or contractor need not comply with subsection (1) if—(a)the Regulator or WorkCover has given the employer or contractor notice that a document need not be kept, and the notice remains in force; or(b)the employer or contractor was a corporation and has been wound up.(4)In this section—employee record see Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth), section 12.time and wages record see Industrial Relations Act 1999, section 363.worker does not include a household worker.
148Reasons for decisions must address certain matters—Act, ss 540(4) and 546(3AA)
(1)For sections 540(4) and 546(3AA) of the Act, the following matters are prescribed—(a)citation of the provision of the Act under which the decision is made; and(b)a statement of—(i)the evidence considered for the decision; and(ii)the evidence that was accepted or rejected for the decision and why the evidence was accepted or rejected; and(iii)the conclusions drawn from the evidence; and(iv)the link between the evidence, the conclusions and the relevant provision of the Act; and(v)the decision made.(2)Each reason for a decision must be written in plain English.
Part 11 Savings and transitional provision for Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2015
pt 11 hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 10
149Decision about qualifying condition if DPI decided before commencement
(1)This section applies if—(a)before the commencement—a worker’s DPI was decided; and(b)on the commencement—the worker is a specified worker.(2)The insurer must, as soon as practicable after the commencement, decide the matters mentioned in section 112F for the worker.s 149 ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 10
Time of lodgement of declaration of wages | Additional premium | |
on or after 1 September and not later than 31 October in 1 calendar year | the greater of— (a) 5% of assessed premium for the period of insurance to which the declaration relates; or (b) $5 | |
on or after 1 November and not later than 30 November in 1 calendar year | the greater of— (a) 10% of assessed premium for the period of insurance to which the declaration relates; or (b) $10 | |
on or after 1 December and not later than 31 December in 1 calendar year | the greater of— (a) 15% of assessed premium for the period of insurance to which the declaration relates; or (b) $15 | |
on or after 1 January in the next calendar year | the greater of— (a) 20% of assessed premium for the period of insurance to which the declaration relates; or (b) $20 |
Schedule 2 Graduated scale for additional compensation for workers with terminal latent onset injuries
(1)This schedule contains the graduated scale for additional compensation for a worker who has a terminal condition that is a latent onset injury.(2)The maximum amount of lump sum compensation payable under this schedule is 216.15 times QOTE.sch 2 s 1 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 86(1)
2How to use the graduated scale
The worker’s additional lump sum compensation entitlement is the amount shown in column 2 that corresponds to the age of the worker when the worker lodges the worker’s application for compensation as shown in column 1.Graduated scale
Column 1
Worker’s age
Column 2
Additional lump sum compensation
$
70 years or under
216.15 times QOTE
71 years
194.54 times QOTE
72 years
172.92 times QOTE
73 years
151.31 times QOTE
74 years
126.69 times QOTE
75 years
108.08 times QOTE
76 years
86.47 times QOTE
77 years
64.86 times QOTE
78 years
43.24 times QOTE
79 years
21.63 times QOTE
80 years or over
0
sch 2 s 2 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 86(2)
sch 3 hdg amd 2015 SL No. 135 s 11
(1)This schedule contains the graduated scale for additional compensation for a worker who sustains an injury that results in a DPI of 30% or more.(2)The maximum amount of lump sum compensation payable under this schedule is 216.15 times QOTE.sch 3 s 1 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 87(1)
2How to use the graduated scale
A worker who sustains a DPI shown in column 1 is entitled to additional lump sum compensation in the amount shown for the corresponding entry in column 2.Graduated scale
Column 1
DPI
Column 2
Additional lump sum compensation
%
$
30
8.15 times QOTE
31
12.77 times QOTE
32
17.39 times QOTE
33
22.01 times QOTE
34
26.63 times QOTE
35
31.26 times QOTE
36
35.88 times QOTE
37
40.50 times QOTE
38
45.12 times QOTE
39
49.75 times QOTE
40
54.37 times QOTE
41
58.99 times QOTE
42
63.61 times QOTE
43
68.23 times QOTE
44
72.86 times QOTE
45
77.48 times QOTE
46
82.10 times QOTE
47
86.73 times QOTE
48
91.35 times QOTE
49
95.97 times QOTE
50
100.59 times QOTE
51
105.21 times QOTE
52
109.83 times QOTE
53
114.46 times QOTE
54
119.08 times QOTE
55
123.70 times QOTE
56
128.32 times QOTE
57
132.95 times QOTE
58
137.57 times QOTE
59
142.19 times QOTE
60
146.82 times QOTE
61
151.44 times QOTE
62
156.06 times QOTE
63
160.68 times QOTE
64
165.31 times QOTE
65
169.93 times QOTE
66
174.55 times QOTE
67
179.17 times QOTE
68
183.80 times QOTE
69
188.42 times QOTE
70
193.04 times QOTE
71
197.66 times QOTE
72
202.28 times QOTE
73
206.91 times QOTE
74
211.53 times QOTE
75–100
216.15 times QOTE
sch 3 s 2 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 87(2)
(1)This schedule contains the graduated scale for additional compensation for gratuitous care.(2)The maximum amount of lump sum compensation payable under this schedule is 244.86 times QOTE.sch 4 s 1 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 88(1)
2How to use the graduated scale
(1)The DPI is shown in column 1.(2)The range of dependency assessed under the modified barthel index is shown in column 2.(3)In column 2—(a)moderate is a modified barthel index total score of 50–74; and(b)severe is a modified barthel index total score of 25–49; and(c)total is a modified barthel index total score of 0–24.(4)The worker’s additional lump sum compensation entitlement is shown for the corresponding entry in column 3.Graduated scale
Column 1
DPI
Column 2
Range of dependency (modified barthel index)
Column 3
Additional lump sum compensation
%
$
15–39
moderate
severe
total
1.99 times QOTE
3.97 times QOTE
5.94 times QOTE
40–49
moderate
severe
total
3.70 times QOTE
7.52 times QOTE
11.21 times QOTE
50–59
moderate
severe
total
16.35 times QOTE
32.68 times QOTE
49.00 times QOTE
60–69
moderate
severe
total
40.84 times QOTE
73.49 times QOTE
97.97 times QOTE
70–79
moderate
severe
total
57.16 times QOTE
106.14 times QOTE
146.93 times QOTE
80–89
moderate
severe
total
65.32 times QOTE
132.00 times QOTE
195.89 times QOTE
90–94
moderate
severe
total
73.49 times QOTE
146.93 times QOTE
228.53 times QOTE
95–100
moderate
severe
total
81.63 times QOTE
163.28 times QOTE
244.86 times QOTE
sch 4 s 2 amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 88(2)
sch 4A hdg ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 12
1Amount of section 193A compensation
Section 193A compensation consists of the following amounts for an injury sustained by a specified worker in relation to whom the qualifying condition is satisfied—(a)an amount of compensation (the DPI amount)—(i)payable under the graduated scale in section 2 of this schedule; and(ii)applied to multiple injuries in the way provided for under section 3 of this schedule;(b)an amount of compensation (the legal cost amount) payable towards legal costs if the worker engages a lawyer and incurs legal costs for particular things done under part 4, division 3A.sch 4A s 1 ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 12
A worker who sustains a DPI shown in column 1 is entitled to the amount shown in column 2 opposite the DPI.Graduated scale
Column 1
DPI
Column 2
DPI amount
%
$
1
6,298
2
12,596
3
18,894
4
25,192
5
31,490
sch 4A s 2 ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 12
3DPI amount for multiple injuries
(1)This section prescribes the DPI amount if the worker—(a)has sustained multiple injuries from 1 event; and(b)receives a notice of assessment for the worker’s physical injury and another notice of assessment for the worker’s psychological injury.(2)The worker is only entitled to 1 payment for the DPI amount, being the amount shown in section 2, column 2 opposite the DPI—(a)shown in section 2, column 1; and(b)that is the higher of the DPI percentages stated in the notices.(3)However, subsection (4) applies if—(a)a worker is paid the DPI amount based on a notice of assessment for an injury; and(b)the worker later receives a second notice of assessment for a different type of injury; and(c)the second notice of assessment states a DPI that is higher than the DPI stated in the first notice of assessment but is not more than 5%.(4)The worker is entitled to another payment for the DPI amount, being the amount shown in section 2, column 2 opposite the DPI—(a)shown in section 2, column 1; and(b)that is equal to the difference between the DPI percentages stated in the notices.Example of DPI amount if subsection (4) applies—
A worker with a DPI of 3% is paid a DPI amount of $18,894 for a physical injury. The worker later receives a notice of assessment stating a DPI of 5% for a psychological injury. The worker is entitled to be paid an additional DPI amount of $12,596 for the difference of 2% between the DPI percentages.sch 4A s 3 ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 12
(1)This section applies if a worker has engaged a lawyer and incurs legal costs for doing 1 or more things mentioned in column 1.(2)The worker is entitled to the amount shown in column 2 opposite each thing for which legal costs were incurred.
Column 1
Circumstance
Column 2
Legal cost amount
$
Giving information to an insurer under section 112I within the period mentioned in the section
1,700
The worker and the worker’s lawyer attending a meeting mentioned in section 112K
2,000
The worker, under section 112N, applying to the panel to review an insurer’s decision
1,000
The worker giving information to the panel under section 112N(2)(c)
1,700
Example of when a legal cost amount is included in section 193A compensation—
A worker with a DPI of 5% who has engaged a lawyer to give information to an insurer, attended a meeting with the lawyer and the insurer, and had the insurer’s decision reviewed successfully, is entitled to section 193A compensation totalling $36,190, being $31,490 for the DPI amount and $4,700 for the legal cost amount.sch 4A s 4 ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 12
sch 4B hdg ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
In this schedule—category see section 2(1)(b).consecutive categories see section 3.corresponding score, for a category, means the score in section 2(1), table 1, column 2 that corresponds to the category.reading, of a chest x-ray, see section 2.sch 4B s 1 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
2Meaning of reading of chest x-ray
(1)A reading, of a chest x-ray, is a process in which a qualified reader—(a)assesses the x-ray for the appearance of opacities; and(b)decides, in accordance with the ILO classification guidelines, the category in table 1, column 1 (the category) that applies to the appearance of opacities in the x-ray; and(c)records the category decided under paragraph (b).Table 1
Column 1
Category
Column 2
Score
0/-
0
0/0
0
0/1
0
1/0
15
1/1
20
1/2
25
2/1
50
2/2
55
2/3
60
3/2
75
3/3
80
3/+
85
Category A
90
Category B
95
Category C
100
(2)In this section—opacity means—(a)a small opacity within the meaning of the ILO classification guidelines; or(b)a large opacity within the meaning of the ILO classification guidelines.qualified reader means a doctor who is qualified and competent to categorise, in accordance with the ILO classification guidelines, the appearance of opacities in a chest x-ray.a doctor approved as a B Reader by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Healthsch 4B s 2 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
3Meaning of consecutive categories
Two categories are consecutive categories if the categories—(a)start with the same digit, other than 0; and(b)appear in consecutive rows in section 2(1), table 1.Examples of categories that are consecutive categories—
•2/1 and 2/2•3/3 and 3/+Examples of categories that are not consecutive categories—
•0/0 and 0/1•1/2 and 2/1•category B and category Csch 4B s 3 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
(1)A worker’s pneumoconiosis score is worked out by using 2 readings of the same chest x-ray of the worker in the way provided under subsection (2) or (3).(2)If each reading records the same category, the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is the corresponding score for that category.(3)If each reading records a different category, the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is—(a)if the 2 categories are any combination of 0/-, 0/0 or 0/1—0; or(b)if the 2 categories are consecutive categories—the higher of the corresponding scores for the consecutive categories; orOne reading records the category as 2/2, which has a corresponding score of 55. The other reading records the category as 2/3, which has a corresponding score of 60. The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is 60, being the higher of the corresponding scores for the consecutive categories.(c)if the 2 categories are any combination of category A, category B or category C—the higher of the corresponding scores for the 2 categories.One reading records the category as category A, which has a corresponding score of 90. The other reading records the category as category C, which has a corresponding score of 100. The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is 100, being the higher of the corresponding scores for the 2 categories.sch 4B s 4 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
5Requirement for third reading
(1)This section applies if the worker’s pneumoconiosis score can not be worked out under section 4.(2)The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is worked out by—(a)obtaining a third reading of the same chest x-ray; and(b)using that reading, with the first 2 readings, in the way provided under subsection (3) or (4).(3)If the third reading records the same category as either of the first 2 readings, the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is the corresponding score for that category.(4)If the third reading records a different category from both of the first 2 readings, the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is—(a)if 2 of the 3 categories are consecutive categories—the higher of the corresponding scores for the consecutive categories; orThe first 2 readings record the categories as 1/2 and 2/1. The third reading records the category as 2/2. Because the categories of 2/1 and 2/2 are consecutive categories, the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is 55, being the higher of the corresponding scores for the consecutive categories.(b)if 2 of the 3 categories are any combination of category A, category B or category C—the higher of the corresponding scores for the 2 categories.The first 2 readings record the categories as 3/+ and category A. The third reading records the category as category B. The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is 95, being the higher of the corresponding scores for category A and category B.sch 4B s 5 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
6Requirement for fourth and fifth readings
(1)This section applies if the worker’s pneumoconiosis score can not be worked out under section 4 or 5.(2)The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is worked out by—(a)obtaining a fourth and fifth reading of the same chest x-ray; and(b)using those readings, with the other 3 readings, in the way provided under subsection (3).(3)The worker’s pneumoconiosis score is the corresponding score for the median category of the categories recorded in each of the 5 readings.The first 3 readings record the categories as 1/2, 2/1 and 2/3. The fourth and fifth readings record the categories as 1/2 and 2/1. The 5 categories, in ascending order, are 1/2, 1/2, 2/1, 2/1 and 2/3. The median category is 2/1, and the worker’s pneumoconiosis score is 50.sch 4B s 6 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
sch 4C hdg ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
(1)This schedule contains the graduated scale for lump sum compensation for a worker to whom chapter 3, part 3, division 5 of the Act applies.(2)The maximum amount of lump sum compensation payable under chapter 3, part 3, division 5 of the Act is 80.97 times QOTE.sch 4C s 1 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 89(1)
2How to use the graduated scale
(1)A pneumoconiosis band shown in column 1 comprises the pneumoconiosis scores in the corresponding entry in column 2.(2)A worker who has a pneumoconiosis score shown in column 2 is entitled to lump sum compensation in the amount shown for the corresponding entry in column 3.(3)However, the amount of the lump sum compensation under subsection (2) is subject to any reduction required under section 3.Graduated scale
Column 1
Pneumoconiosis bandColumn 2
Pneumoconiosis scoresColumn 3
Lump sum compensation$
1
0
0
2
15
20
2512.15 times QOTE
16.20 times QOTE
20.25 times QOTE3
50
55
6040.49 times QOTE
44.53 times QOTE
48.59 times QOTE4
75
8060.73 times QOTE
64.78 times QOTE5
85
68.83 times QOTE
6
90
72.87 times QOTE
7
95
76.92 times QOTE
8
100
80.97 times QOTE
sch 4C s 2 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
amd 2019 Act No. 33 s 89(2)
3Effect of worker’s lodgement age
(1)This section applies if the worker’s lodgement age is 71 years or more.(2)For each whole year by which the worker’s lodgement age is more than 70 years, the amount (the prescribed amount) to which the worker would otherwise be entitled under section 2(2) must be reduced by an amount equal to 5% of the prescribed amount.A worker with a pneumoconiosis score of 100 has a lodgement age of 72 years. The worker is entitled under section 2(2) to the amount of $120,000. However, that amount must be reduced under this subsection by $6,000 for each of the 2 years by which the worker’s lodgement age is more than 70 years. The amount of the worker’s entitlement under this schedule is therefore $108,000.(3)However, the maximum reduction that may be made under subsection (2) is an amount equal to 50% of the prescribed amount.
sch 4C s 3 ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 36
section 113(1)(a)
This schedule contains the graduated scale for the payment of caring allowance.
2How to use the graduated scale
(1)The range of dependency assessed under the modified barthel index is shown in column 1.(2)In column 1—(a)minimal is a modified barthel index total score of 91–99; and(b)mild is a modified barthel index total score of 75–90; and(c)moderate is a modified barthel index total score of 50–74; and(d)severe is a modified barthel index total score of 25–49; and(e)total is a modified barthel index total score of 0–24.(3)The maximum number of hours of care required in a week is shown for the corresponding entry in column 2.
Graduated scale
Column 1
Range of dependency
(modified barthel index)
Column 2
Maximum hours of care required in a week
minimal
<10
mild
13.0
moderate
20.0
severe
23.5
total
27.0
section 135(2)
Column A Pre-proceeding notification and negotiation | Column B Compulsory conference | Column C Investigation by expert | Column D Pre-proceedings court applications |
$2,000 | $135 for the first hour or part of an hour $105 for each additional hour or part of an hour | $270 | $400 |
1an ambulance officer under the Ambulance Service Act 1991 who is classified by the Queensland Ambulance Service as a paramedic of any type
2an authorised officer under the Child Protection Act 1999
3a corrective services officer under the Corrective Services Act 2006
4a fire service officer under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
5a member of the State Emergency Service or an emergency service unit under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
6a member of a rural fire brigade registered under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, section 79
7a volunteer firefighter or volunteer fire warden employed by the authority responsible for the management of the State’s fire services
8a police officer or police recruit under the Police Service Administration Act 1990
9a youth justice staff member within the meaning of the Youth Justice Act 1992, section 59B
10a doctor or nurse employed in any of the following areas—•emergency and trauma care•acute care•critical care•high-dependency care
11an occupation or profession performed in the private sector that corresponds to an occupation or profession mentioned in item 1, 3 or 4
12an occupation or profession performed by a local government employee within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2009 that corresponds to an occupation or profession mentioned in item 1 or 4
13a coal mine worker within the meaning of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 who is appropriately qualified to perform a rescue function at a coal mine
14a worker within the meaning of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 who is appropriately qualified to perform a rescue function at a mine
sch 6A ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 9
1the department in which the Ambulance Service Act 1991 is administered
2the department in which the Child Protection Act 1999 is administered
3the department in which the Corrective Services Act 2006 is administered
4the department in which the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 is administered
5the department in which the Police Service Administration Act 1990 is administered
6the department in which the Youth Justice Act 1992 is administered
sch 6B ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 9
Schedule 7 Designated courts and provisions that are a State’s legislation about damages for work related injury
sections 145(2) and 146(2)
Column 1 State | Column 2 Designated court | Column 3 Provisions that are that State’s legislation about damages for work related injury |
Australian Capital Territory | Magistrates Court | the provisions of the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT) |
New South Wales | District Court of New South Wales Workers Compensation Commission of New South Wales | the provisions of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW) |
Northern Territory | Work Health Court | the provisions of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (NT) |
South Australia | Workers Compensation Tribunal | the provisions of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (SA) |
Tasmania | Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Tribunal | the provisions of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Tas) |
Victoria | County Court Magistrates Court of Victoria | the provisions of the Accident Compensation Act 1985 (Vic) and the Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993 (Vic) |
Western Australia | District Court of Western Australia | the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 (WA) |
Schedule 8 Matters to which court is to have regard in the application of sch 9
section 129(b)
Part 1 Objectives of sch 9 (Ranges of injury scale values)
1Objectives of sch 9
The objectives of schedule 9 include promoting—(a)consistency between assessments of general damages awarded by courts for similar injuries; and(b)similar assessments of general damages awarded by courts for different types of injury that have a similar level of adverse impact on an injured worker.•Under section 306O(1) of the Act, if general damages are to be awarded by a court in relation to an injury sustained on or after 1 July 2010, the court must assess an injury scale value as follows—•the injured worker’s total general damages must be assigned a numerical value (injury scale value) on a scale running from 0 to 100—the Act, section 306O(1)(a);•the scale reflects 100 equal graduations of general damages, from a case in which an injury is not severe enough to justify any award of general damages to a case in which an injury is of the gravest conceivable kind—the Act, section 306O(1)(b);•in assessing the injury scale value, the court must—•assess the injury scale value under any rules provided under a regulation; and•have regard to the injury scale values given to similar injuries in previous proceedings—the Act, section 306O(1)(c).•Under section 306O(2) of the Act, if a court assesses an injury scale value for a particular injury to be more or less than any injury scale value prescribed for or attributed to similar particular injuries under section 306O(1)(c) of the Act, the court must state the factors on which the assessment is based that justify the assessed injury scale value.
Part 2 How to use sch 9
2Injury mentioned in sch 9
(1)In assessing the injury scale value (ISV) for an injury mentioned in the injury column of schedule 9, a court must consider the range of injury scale values stated in schedule 9 for the injury.(2)The range of ISVs for the injury reflects the level of adverse impact of the injury on the injured worker.
(1)Subject to section 9, in assessing the ISV for multiple injuries, a court must consider the range of ISVs for the dominant injury of the multiple injuries.(2)To reflect the level of adverse impact of multiple injuries on an injured worker, the court may assess the ISV for the multiple injuries as being higher in the range of ISVs for the dominant injury of the multiple injuries than the ISV the court would assess for the dominant injury only.This section acknowledges that—•the effects of multiple injuries commonly overlap, with each injury contributing to the overall level of adverse impact on the injured worker; and•if each of the multiple injuries were assigned an individual ISV and these ISVs were added together, the total ISV would generally be too high.
4Multiple injuries and maximum dominant ISV inadequate
(1)This section applies if a court considers the level of adverse impact of multiple injuries on an injured worker is so severe that the maximum dominant ISV is inadequate to reflect the level of impact.(2)To reflect the level of impact, the court may make an assessment of the ISV for the multiple injuries that is higher than the maximum dominant ISV.(3)However, the ISV for the multiple injuries—(a)must not be more than 100; andUnder section 306O(1)(a) of the Act, an ISV is assessed on a scale running from 0 to 100.(b)should rarely be more than 25% higher than the maximum dominant ISV.(4)If the increase is more than 25% of the maximum dominant ISV, the court must give detailed written reasons for the increase.(5)In this section—maximum dominant ISV, in relation to multiple injuries, means the maximum ISV in the range for the dominant injury of the multiple injuries.
5Adverse psychological reaction
(1)This section applies if a court is assessing an ISV where an injured worker has an adverse psychological reaction to a physical injury.(2)The court must treat the adverse psychological reaction merely as a feature of the injury.
(1)This section applies if—(a)a court is assessing an ISV; and(b)a PIRS rating for a mental disorder of an injured worker is relevant under schedule 9.(2)The PIRS rating for the mental disorder of the injured worker is the PIRS rating accepted by the court.(3)A PIRS rating is capable of being accepted by the court only if it is—(a)assessed by a medical expert as required under schedules 10 and 11; and(b)provided to the court in a PIRS report as required under schedule 10, section 12.
7Aggravation of pre-existing condition
(1)This section applies if an injured worker has a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by an injury for which a court is assessing an ISV.(2)In considering the impact of the aggravation of the pre-existing condition, the court may have regard only to the extent to which the pre-existing condition has been made worse by the injury.
8Court must have regard to particular provisions of sch 9
(1)In addition to providing ranges of ISVs for particular injuries, schedule 9 sets out provisions relevant to using schedule 9 to assess an ISV for particular injuries.Examples of relevant provisions—
•examples of the injury•examples of factors affecting ISV assessment•comments about appropriate level of ISV(2)In assessing an ISV, a court must have regard to those provisions to the extent they are relevant in a particular case.(3)The fact that schedule 9 provides examples of factors affecting an ISV assessment is not intended to discourage a court from having regard to other factors it considers are relevant in a particular case.
9Court may have regard to other matters
In assessing an ISV, a court may have regard to other matters to the extent they are relevant in a particular case.•the injured worker’s age, degree of insight, life expectancy, pain, suffering and loss of amenities of life•the effects of a pre-existing condition of the injured worker•difficulties in life likely to have emerged for the injured worker whether or not the injury happened•in assessing an ISV for multiple injuries, the range for, and other provisions of schedule 9 in relation to, an injury other than the dominant injury of the multiple injuries
The extent of DPI is an important consideration, but not the only consideration affecting the assessment of an ISV.
If a medical report states a DPI, it must state how the DPI is decided, including—(a)the clinical findings; and(b)how the impairment is calculated; and(c)if the DPI is based on criteria provided under AMA 5—(i)the provisions of AMA 5 setting out the criteria; and(ii)if a range of percentages is available under AMA 5 for an injury of the type being assessed—the reason for assessing the injury at the selected point in the range.1It is not a function of a doctor to identify—(a)the item in schedule 9 to which an injury belongs; or(b)the appropriate ISV for an injury.2A medical report tendered in evidence in a proceeding for a claim for personal injury damages must comply with the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999, chapter 11, part 5.
12Greater weight to assessments based on AMA 5
(1)This section does not apply to a medical assessment of scarring or of a mental disorder.(2)In assessing an ISV, a court must give greater weight to a medical assessment of a DPI based on the criteria for the assessment of a DPI provided under AMA 5 than to a medical assessment of a DPI not based on the criteria.
13Greater weight to assessments of PIRS rating
In assessing an ISV, a court must give greater weight to a PIRS report provided as required under schedule 10 than to another medical assessment of the permanent impairment caused by a mental disorder.
An ISV assessed by a court must be a whole number.Under section 306O(1)(a) of the Act, an ISV is assessed on a scale running from 0 to 100.
section 129(a)
Item no. | Injury | Other provisions | Range of injury scale values (ISVs) |
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
75 to 100
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate only if the injured worker has assisted ventilation, full insight, extreme physical limitation and gross impairment of ability to communicate.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
60 to 80
3Hemiplegia or severe paralysis of more than 1 limb
Comment
Incomplete paralysis causing a DPI of less than 40% must be assessed under part 6 if it is the only injury or the dominant injury of multiple injuries.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for item 3
The same examples apply as for item 2.
Comment
See items 5, 6 and 7 and part 6.
Comment
The injury will involve major trauma to the brain with severe permanent impairment.
5.1
Substantial insight remaining
71 to 100
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 5.1
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for item 5.1
5.2
Substantially reduced insight
Comment for items 5.2.1 and 5.2.2
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 5.2.1 and 5.2.2
The same examples apply as for an item 5.1 injury, but reducing levels of insight progressively reduce the level of suffering and the appropriate level of ISV.
5.2.1
The injured worker will have partial or complete insight (as evidenced by appropriate responses to physical or emotional stimuli) for not more than half of the person’s waking hours.
36 to 70
5.2.2
The injured worker will have infrequent periods of partial insight and will show unreliable, rare or limited responses to physical or emotional stimuli.
16 to 35
5.3
Grossly reduced insight
10 to 15
Comment for item 5.3
The injured worker will be in a persistent vegetative state and have little or no insight.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 5.3
If some minor awareness of loss remains, an ISV at or near the top of the range may be appropriate.
Comment
56 to 70
The injured worker will be very seriously disabled.
Example of the injury
serious brain damage causing—
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate only if the injured worker substantially depends on others and needs substantial professional and other care.
Comment
21 to 55
The injured worker will be seriously disabled, but the degree of the injured worker’s dependence on others, although still present, is lower than for an item 6 injury.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Comment
6 to 20
The injured worker will make a good recovery and be able to take part in normal social life and to return to work. There may be minor problems persisting that prevent a restoration of normal function.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if the injured worker has—
9Minor head injury, other than an injury mentioned in pt 3
Comment
0 to 5
Brain damage, if any, is minimal.
Examples of the injury
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 10 to 13
This part includes references to ratings (PIRS ratings) on the psychiatric impairment rating scale set out in schedule 11. A PIRS rating is capable of being accepted by a court only if it is assessed by a medical expert as required under schedules 10 and 11 and provided to the court in a PIRS report.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 10 to 13
Example of the injury
41 to 65
a mental disorder with a PIRS rating between 31% and 100%
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Despite a very high PIRS rating, an ISV at or near the bottom of the range may be appropriate if the injured worker has reduced insight.
Example of the injury
11 to 40
a mental disorder with a PIRS rating between 11% and 30%
Comment
2 to 10
There is generally only moderate impairment.
Example of the injury
a mental disorder with a PIRS rating between 4% and 10%
Comment
0 to 1
For many persons who have suffered the injury there will be little or no impact on their lives.
Example of the injury
a mental disorder with a PIRS rating between 0% and 3%
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 14 to 22
Comment
26 to 45
The injury will involve severe traumatic injury to the face requiring substantial reconstructive surgery.
Examples of the injury
Note—
Le Fort I fracture, Le Fort II fracture and Le Fort III fracture are defined in schedule 13.
Additional example of factor affecting ISV assessment
the extent of any neurological impairment or effect on the airway
Comment
14 to 25
The injury will involve serious traumatic injury to the face requiring reconstructive surgery that is not substantial.
Examples of the injury
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
6 to 13
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
Comment
There will generally have been a course of treatment as a result of the injury.
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
If protracted dentistry causes the injury, the ISV may be higher than the ISV for the same injury caused by something else.
18.1
Loss of or serious damage to more than 3 teeth, serious gum injury or serious gum infection
6 to 10
18.2
Loss of or serious damage to 2 or 3 teeth, moderate gum injury or moderate gum infection
3 to 5
18.3
Loss of or serious damage to 1 tooth, minor gum injury or minor gum infection
0 to 2
General comment for items 19 to 22
This division will usually apply to an injury involving skeletal damage only if the skeletal damage is minor.
Examples of the injury
21 to 45
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
11 to 20
Comment
6 to 10
Any adverse psychological reaction is small, or having been considerable at the outset, has greatly diminished.
Examples of the injury
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
General comment for items 23 to 33
Injuries mentioned in this part are commonly symptoms of brain or nervous system injury.
23Total sight and hearing impairment
Comment
90 to 100
The injury ranks with the most devastating injuries.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
50 to 80
25Complete sight impairment in 1 eye with reduced vision in the other eye
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
25 to 50
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is serious risk of further significant deterioration in the remaining eye.
26Complete sight impairment in 1 eye or total loss of 1 eye
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
26 to 30
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a minor risk of sympathetic ophthalmia.
Examples of the injury
11 to 25
Example of the injury
6 to 10
minor but permanent impairment of vision in one eye, including if there is double vision that is minor and intermittent
Example of the injury
0 to 5
a minor injury, for example, from being struck in the eye, exposed to smoke or other fumes or being splashed by liquids—
Comment for items 30 to 33
The injuries commonly, but not always, involve hearing loss. If the injury is to a single ear, the binaural loss must be assessed.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for item 30 to 33 injuries
Definition of injury
36 to 55
The injury involves a binaural hearing loss of at least 80%.
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if the injury happened at an early age so as to prevent or to seriously affect the development of normal speech.
Definition of injury
26 to 35
The injury involves—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Definition of injury
11 to 25
The injury involves—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there are problems associated with the injury, for example, severe tinnitus, moderate vertigo, a moderate vestibular disturbance or headaches.
Definition of injury
The injury involves a binaural hearing loss of less than 20%.
Comment
33.1
Moderate tinnitus or hearing loss, or both
6 to 10
33.2
Mild tinnitus with some hearing loss
4 to 5
33.3
Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight hearing loss or an occasional vestibular disturbance, or both
0 to 3
34Total loss of taste or smell, or both
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
6 to 9
35Partial loss of taste or smell, or both
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
0 to 5
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment for items 36 to 39
the level of any reduction in the capacity for employment and enjoyment of life
Comment
46 to 65
The injury will involve severe traumatic injury to the chest, or a large majority of the organs in the chest cavity, causing a high level of disability and ongoing medical problems.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there will be total removal of 1 lung or serious heart damage, or both, with serious and prolonged pain and suffering and significant permanent scarring.
Comment
21 to 45
The injury will involve serious traumatic injury to the chest or organs in the chest cavity, causing serious disability and ongoing medical problems.
Examples of the injury
Example of factors affecting ISV assessment
the need for a permanent tracheostomy
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if, after recovery, there are both of the following—
Example of the injury
11 to 20
the injury will involve serious traumatic injury to the chest or organs in the chest cavity, causing moderate disability and ongoing medical problems
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 39.1 and 39.2
39.1
Complicated or significant fracture, or internal organ injury, that substantially resolves
5 to 10
Comment
The injury will involve significant or complicated fractures, or internal injuries, that cause some tissue damage but no significant long-term effect on organ function.
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
39.2
Soft tissue injury, minor fracture or minor internal organ injury
0 to 4
Comment
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 40 to 43
The level of an ISV for lung disease often reflects the fact that the disease is worsening and there is a risk of the development of secondary medical consequences.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 40 to 43
Examples of the injury
46 to 65
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
41.1
Serious lung injury if progressive worsening of lung function
25 to 45
Example of item 41.1
lung disease, for example, emphysema, causing—
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for item 41.1
41.2
Serious lung injury if no progressive worsening of lung function
11 to 24
Examples of item 41.2
Examples of the injury
6 to 10
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the bottom of the range will be appropriate if there is lung disease causing temporary aggravation of bronchitis, or other chest problems, that will resolve within a few months.
Comment
31 to 55
The most serious cases may confine a person to the home and destroy capacity for employment.
Example of the injury
severe and permanent disabling asthma causing—
Example of the injury
11 to 30
chronic asthma, with a poor prognosis, causing—
Example of the injury
6 to 10
asthma, with symptoms that include bronchitis and wheezing, affecting employment or social life
Example of the injury
0 to 5
asthma with minor symptoms that has no effect on employment or social life
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the bottom of the range will be appropriate if there is asthma treated by a general practitioner that will resolve within 1 year after the injury is caused.
General comment for items 48 to 51
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 48 to 51
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
5 to 37
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
49Loss of part or all of penis
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
5 to 25
Comment
See item 48 because sterility results.
Additional example of factor affecting ISV assessment
level of any pain or residual scarring
Additional example of factors affecting ISV assessment
2 to 10
age, cosmetic damage or scarring
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the bottom of the range will be appropriate if the injury does not reduce reproductive capacity.
General comment for items 52 to 53.5
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 52 to 53.5
52.1
Infertility causing severe effects
16 to 35
Example of item 52.1
infertility with severe depression, anxiety and pain
52.2
Infertility causing moderate effects
9 to 15
Example of item 52.2
infertility without any medical complication if the injured worker has a child or children
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 52.2
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is significant adverse psychological reaction.
52.3
Infertility causing minor effects
0 to 8
Example of item 52.3
infertility if—
53Any other injury to the female reproductive system
53.1
Post-menopausal hysterectomy
5 to 15
53.2
Female impotence
5 to 15
Comment for item 53.2
The injury may be correctable by surgery.
Additional examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for item 53.2
the level of sexual function or the extent of any corrective surgery
53.3
An injury causing an inability to give birth by normal vaginal delivery, for example, because of pelvic ring disruption or deformity
4 to 15
Comment for item 53.3
The injury may be correctable by surgery.
53.4
Injury to female genitalia or reproductive organs, or both
3 to 25
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 53.4
53.5
Reduced fertility, caused by, for example, trauma to ovaries or fallopian tubes
3 to 8
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 53.5
An ISV in the lower half of the range will be appropriate if the injury is caused by a delay in diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.
54Extreme injury to the digestive system caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
19 to 40
Note—
Digestive system is defined in schedule 13.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
55Serious injury to the digestive system caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
11 to 18
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
56Moderate injury to the digestive system caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
6 to 10
Example of factors affecting ISV assessment
57Minor injury to the digestive system caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
General comment for items 58 to 61
There is a marked difference between those comparatively rare cases having a long-term or even permanent effect on quality of life and cases in which the only ongoing symptom is an allergy, for example, to specific foods, that may cause short-term illness.
58Extreme injury to the digestive system not caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
13 to 35
severe toxicosis—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV in the lower half of the range will be appropriate if the injury causes a chronic infection, that requires prolonged hospitalisation, that will not resolve after antibiotic treatment for 1 year.
59Serious injury to the digestive system not caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
6 to 12
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
60Moderate injury to the digestive system not caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
3 to 5
61Minor injury to the digestive system not caused by trauma
Examples of the injury
0 to 2
General comment for items 62 to 65
An injury to a ureter or the ureters alone, without loss of, or serious damage to, a kidney will generally be assessed under item 64 or 65.
Examples of factor affecting ISV assessment for items 62 to 65
62Extreme injury to kidneys or ureters
62.1
Loss of both kidneys causing loss of renal function and requiring permanent dialysis or transplant
56 to 75
62.2
Serious damage to both kidneys, requiring temporary or intermittent dialysis
31 to 55
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
63Serious injury to kidneys or ureters
Comment
19 to 30
The injury may require temporary dialysis for less than 3 months.
Example of the injury
loss of 1 kidney if there is severe damage to, and a risk of loss of function of, the other kidney
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
The higher the risk of loss of function of the other kidney, the higher the ISV.
64Moderate injury to kidneys or ureters
Examples of the injury
11 to 18
65Minor injury to kidneys or ureters
Examples of the injury
0 to 10
a laceration or contusion to 1 or both of the kidneys
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 66 to 69
66Extreme injury to liver, gall bladder or biliary tract
Examples of the injury
51 to 70
loss, or injury causing effective loss, of liver function, requiring constant substitutional therapy
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
67Serious injury to liver, gall bladder or biliary tract
Examples of the injury
36 to 50
serious damage causing loss of over 30% of the tissue of the liver, but with some functional capacity of the liver remaining
68Moderate injury to liver, gall bladder or biliary tract
Examples of the injury
16 to 35
a laceration or contusion to the liver, with a moderate effect on liver function
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
69Minor injury to liver, gall bladder or biliary tract
Comment
3 to 15
An injury within this item should not require surgery to the liver.
Example of the injury
a laceration or contusion to the liver, with a minor effect on liver function
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV in the lower half of the range will be appropriate if there is an uncomplicated removal of the gall bladder with no ongoing symptoms.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 70 to 73
Example of the injury
41 to 60
an injury causing a total loss of natural bowel function and dependence on colostomy
Example of the injury
19 to 40
a serious abdominal injury causing either or both of the following—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
7 to 18
Example of the injury
3 to 6
an injury causing tears to the bowel, with minimal ongoing bowel problems
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 74 to 77
74Extreme bladder, prostate or urethra injury
Example of the injury
40 to 60
an injury causing a complete loss of bladder function and control, with permanent dependence on urostomy
75Serious bladder, prostate or urethra injury
Example of the injury
19 to 39
an injury causing serious impairment of bladder control, with some incontinence
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV in the upper half of the range will be appropriate if there is serious ongoing pain.
76Moderate bladder, prostate or urethra injury
Example of the injury
7 to 18
an injury causing continued impairment of bladder control, with minimal incontinence and minimal pain
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
77Minor bladder, prostate or urethra injury
Example of the injury
3 to 6
a bladder injury, from which the injured worker will fully recover, with some relatively long-term interference with natural bladder function
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
10 to 35
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
79Loss of spleen (complicated)
Example of the injury
8 to 20
loss of spleen if there will be a risk, that is not minor, of ongoing internal infection and disorders caused by the loss
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
80Injury to the spleen or uncomplicated loss of spleen
Example of the injury
0 to 7
laceration or contusion to the spleen that—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there has been removal of the spleen (splenectomy), with little or no risk of ongoing infections and disorders caused by the loss of the spleen.
Example of the injury
11 to 20
a hernia if after repair there is either or both—
Example of the injury
6 to 10
a hernia that after repair has some real risk of recurring in the short-term
Example of the injury
0 to 5
an uncomplicated inguinal hernia, whether or not repaired
General comment for items 84 to 88
84Extreme cervical spine injury
Comment
41 to 75
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
85Serious cervical spine injury
Comment
16 to 40
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
86Moderate cervical spine injury—fracture, disc prolapse or nerve root compression or damage
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
5 to 15
87Moderate cervical spine injury—soft tissue injury
Comment
5 to 10
The injury will cause moderate permanent impairment, for which there is objective evidence, of the cervical spine.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV of not more than 10 will be appropriate if there is a DPI of 8% caused by a soft tissue injury for which there is no radiological evidence.
Comment
0 to 4
Example of the injury
a soft tissue or whiplash injury if symptoms are minor and the injured worker recovers, or is expected to recover, from the injury to a level where the injury is merely a nuisance within 18 months after the injury is caused
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 89 to 93
89Extreme thoracic or lumbar spine injury
Comment
36 to 60
These are extremely severe injuries causing gross limitation of movement and serious interference with performance of daily activities. There may be some motor or sensory loss, and some impairment of bladder, ano-rectal or sexual function.
Example of the injury
a fracture involving compression of a thoracic or lumbar vertebral body of more than 50%, with neurological impairment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
90Serious thoracic or lumbar spine injury
Comment
16 to 35
Example of the injury
a fracture involving at least 25% compression of 1 thoracic or lumbar vertebral body
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
91Moderate thoracic or lumbar spine injury—fracture, disc prolapse or nerve root compression or damage
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
5 to 15
92Moderate thoracic or lumbar spine injury—soft tissue injury
Comment
5 to 10
The injury will cause moderate permanent impairment, for which there is objective evidence, of the thoracic or lumbar spine.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV of not more than 10 will be appropriate if there is a DPI of 8% caused by a soft tissue injury for which there is no radiological evidence.
93Minor thoracic or lumbar spine injury
Example of the injury
0 to 4
a soft tissue injury of the thoracic or lumbar spine with no—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 94 to 97
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 94 to 97
An ISV at or near the top of the range will generally only be appropriate if the injury is to the shoulder of the dominant upper limb.
Comment
31 to 50
These are the most severe traumatic injuries causing gross permanent impairment.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI of 45% and complete loss of all shoulder function of the dominant upper limb.
Comment
16 to 30
The injury will involve serious trauma to the shoulder causing serious permanent impairment.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 25% and the injury is to the dominant upper limb.
Examples of the injury
6 to 15
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 98 to 99.3
An ISV at or near the top of the range will generally only be appropriate if the amputation is of the dominant upper limb.
98Loss of both upper limbs, or loss of 1 arm and extreme injury to the other arm
Comment
55 to 85
The effect of the injury is to reduce the injured worker to a state of considerable helplessness.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
99.1
An upper limb amputation at the shoulder
50 to 65
99.2
An upper limb amputation through the elbow or above the elbow but below the shoulder
40 to 65
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 99.2
99.3
An upper limb amputation below the elbow
35 to 60
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV for item 99.3
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is an amputation through the forearm with residual severe pain in the stump and phantom pains.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 100 to 103
An ISV at or near the top of the range will generally only be appropriate if the injury is to the elbow of the dominant upper limb.
Comment
26 to 50
The injury will involve an extremely severe elbow injury, falling short of amputation, leaving little effective use of the elbow joint.
Examples of the injury
Comment
13 to 25
The injury will involve significant disability and require major surgery.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 23% and the injury is to the elbow of the dominant upper limb.
Comment
6 to 12
The injury will cause moderate long-term disability but does not require protracted surgery.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Comment
0 to 5
The injury will cause no permanent damage and no permanent impairment of function.
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 104 to 107
An ISV at or near the top of the range will generally only be appropriate if the injury is to the wrist of the dominant upper limb.
Comment
25 to 40
The injury will involve severe fractures, or a dislocation, causing a high level of permanent impairment.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 36% and the injury is to the wrist of the dominant upper limb.
Examples of the injury
16 to 24
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 20% and the injury is to the wrist of the dominant upper limb.
Examples of the injury
6 to 15
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
General comment for items 108 to 119
Hands are cosmetically and functionally the most important part of the upper limbs.
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 108 to 119
108Total or effective loss of both hands
Examples of the injury
51 to 75
a serious injury causing extensive damage to both hands making them little more than useless
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
109Serious injury to both hands
Comment
40 to 50
The injury will involve significant loss of function in both hands, for example, loss of 50% or more of the use of each hand.
110Total or effective loss of 1 hand
Examples of the injury
35 to 60
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment
severity of any phantom pain if there has been an amputation
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
111Amputation of the thumb or part of the thumb
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
15 to 28
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
112Amputation of index, middle and ring fingers, or any 2 of them
Comment
15 to 30
The amputation will cause complete loss or nearly complete loss of 2 or all of the following fingers of the hand—
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment
the level of the amputation, for example, whether the hand has been made to be of very little use and any remaining grip is very weak
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
113Amputation of individual fingers
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
5 to 20
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
114Amputation of thumb and all fingers
Comment
As the injury will cause effective loss of the hand, see item 110.
115Any other injury to 1 or more of the fingers or the thumb
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 115.1 to 115.4
An ISV of not more than 5 will be appropriate if substantial function of the hand remains.
Examples of factors affecting ISV
115.1
Extreme injury to 1 or more of the fingers or the thumb
16 to 25
Example of the injury
total loss of function of 1 or more of the fingers, with the joints ankylosed in non-functional positions
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
115.2
Serious injury to 1 or more of the fingers or the thumb
11 to 15
Examples of the injury
115.3
Moderate injury to 1 or more of the fingers or the thumb
6 to 10
Comment
There will be permanent discomfort, pain or sensitive scarring.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 8% and the injury is to the dominant hand.
115.4
Minor injury to 1 or more of the fingers or the thumb
0 to 5
Example of the injury
an uncomplicated fracture or soft tissue injury that has healed with minimal residual symptoms
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Comment
31 to 45
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
16 to 30
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 20%.
Examples of the injury
6 to 15
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
a soft tissue injury, or an injury that does not require surgery, with nearly full recovery of hand function
Division 8 Upper limb injuries, other than injuries mentioned in divisions 3 to 7
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 120 to 123
An ISV at or near the top of the range will generally only be appropriate if the injury is to the dominant upper limb.
120Extreme upper limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in divisions 3 to 7
Comment
36 to 65
The injury will involve an extremely serious upper limb injury, falling short of amputation, leaving the injured worker little better off than if the whole arm had been lost.
Examples of the injury
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
121Serious upper limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in divisions 3 to 7
Examples of the injury
21 to 35
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
122Moderate upper limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in divisions 3 to 7
Examples of the injury
6 to 20
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
123Minor upper limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in divisions 3 to 7
Example of the injury
0 to 5
an uncomplicated fracture of the humerus, radius or ulna, or any combination of the humerus, radius and ulna, from which the injured worker has fully recovered within a short time
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 124 to 127
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 124 to 127
124Extreme pelvis or hip injury
Examples of the injury
46 to 65
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
125Serious pelvis or hip injury
Comment
26 to 45
There will be substantial residual disability, for example, severe lack of bladder and bowel control, sexual dysfunction, or deformity making the use of 2 canes or crutches routine.
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the bottom of the range will be appropriate for an injury causing a DPI for the injury of 20%.
126Moderate pelvis or hip injury
Examples of the injury
11 to 25
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of the injury
0 to 10
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 128 and 129
128Loss of both lower limbs above or through the knee
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
55 to 70
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if each amputation is near the hips so neither stump can be used with a prosthesis.
129Below the knee amputation of both lower limbs
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
50 to 65
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 130 and 131
130Above or through the knee amputation of 1 lower limb
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
35 to 50
131Below the knee amputation of 1 lower limb
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
31 to 45
Division 11 Lower limb injuries, other than injuries mentioned in division 9 or 10 or divisions 12 to 15
132Extreme lower limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in division 9 or 10 or divisions 12 to 15
Comment
31 to 55
These are the most severe injuries short of amputation, leaving the injured worker little better off than if the whole leg had been lost.
Examples of the injury
133Serious lower limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in division 9 or 10 or divisions 12 to 15
Comment
21 to 30
Example of the injury
multiple complex fractures of the lower limb that are expected to take years to heal and cause serious deformity and serious limitation of mobility
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
134Moderate lower limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in division 9 or 10 or divisions 12 to 15
Examples of the injury
11 to 20
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
135Minor lower limb injury, other than an injury mentioned in division 9 or 10 or divisions 12 to 15
Example of the injury
0 to 10
an uncomplicated fracture of the femur, tibia or fibula, from which the injured worker has fully recovered
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
General comment for items 136 to 139
The availability of remedies, for example, a total knee replacement is an important factor in assessing an ISV under this division.
Example of the injury
25 to 40
a severe knee injury if there is a disruption of the joint, gross ligamentous damage, loss of function after unsuccessful surgery, lengthy treatment and considerable pain
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Comment
11 to 24
The injury may involve—
Example of the injury
a leg fracture extending into the knee joint, causing pain that is constant, permanent and limits movement or impairs agility
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the middle of the range will be appropriate if there is a ligamentous injury, that required surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, causing a DPI of 15% and functional limitation.
Examples of the injury
6 to 10
a dislocation or torn cartilage or meniscus causing ongoing minor instability, wasting and weakness
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 8%.
Examples of the injury
0 to 5
Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 140 to 143
The appropriate ISV for the vast majority of ankle injuries is 1 or 2.
Examples of the injury
21 to 35
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Example of the injury
11 to 20
an injury requiring a long period of treatment, a long time in plaster or insertion of pins and plates, if—
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
Example of the injury
6 to 10
a fracture, ligamentous tear or similar injury causing moderate disability, for example—
Additional comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the bottom of the range will be appropriate if there is a DPI for the injury of 6%.
Example of the injury
0 to 5
a sprain, ligamentous or soft tissue injury or minor or undisplaced fracture
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
32 to 65
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
20 to 35
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
146Extreme foot injury that is not an amputation
Comment
13 to 25
There will be permanent and severe pain or very serious permanent disability.
Example of the injury
an unusually severe foot injury causing a DPI of 15% or more, for example, a heel fusion or loss of the tibia-calcaneum angle
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is subtalar fibrous ankylosis in a severely malaligned position, ongoing pain and a DPI for the injury of 24%.
Examples of the injury
9 to 12
Example of the injury
4 to 8
a displaced metatarsal fracture causing permanent deformity, with ongoing symptoms of minor severity, for example, a limp that does not prevent the injured worker engaging in most daily activities
Examples of the injury
0 to 3
a simple metatarsal fracture, ruptured ligament, puncture wound or similar injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV of 2 or less will be appropriate if there is a straightforward foot injury, for example, a fracture, laceration or contusions, from which the injured worker will fully recover.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 150.1 to 150.3
150.1
Amputation of all toes
8 to 20
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
150.2
Amputation of the great toe
6 to 12
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment for item 150.2
the level at which the amputation happens or any ongoing symptoms
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there is complete loss of the great toe and ball of the foot caused by an amputation through the first metatarsal bone.
150.3
Amputation of individual lesser toes
3 to 5
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment for item 150.3
the level at which the amputation happens or any ongoing symptoms
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
Comment
8 to 12
The injury will cause serious and permanent disability.
Examples of the injury
Comment
4 to 7
There will be permanent discomfort, pain or sensitive scarring.
Examples of the injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV at or near the top of the range will be appropriate if there has been more than 1 unsuccessful operation, or there are persisting stabbing pains, impaired gait or similar effects.
Examples of the injury
0 to 3
a relatively straightforward fracture or soft tissue injury
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV of 1 will be appropriate if there is a straightforward fracture of 1 or more toes with complete resolution within a short time.
General comment
The ISV for a limb disorder must be assessed having regard to the item of this schedule that—
Examples of a limb disorder
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment
General comment
Example—
The ISV range for an injury causing a closed fracture of a limb takes into account the potential need for open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture and the resulting surgical wound and scar.
Examples of factors affecting ISV assessment for items 154.1 to 154.4
154Scarring to a part of the body other than the face
154.1
Extreme scarring to a part of the body other than the face
14 to 25
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
154.2
Serious scarring to a part of the body other than the face
9 to 13
Comment
There is serious scarring—
Examples of the injury
154.3
Moderate scarring to a part of the body other than the face
4 to 8
Examples of the injury
154.4
Minor scarring to a part of the body other than the face
0 to 3
Examples of the injury
General comment
155Extreme injury affecting head hair
Example of the injury
11 to 15
total permanent loss of head hair
156Serious injury affecting head hair
Example of the injury
4 to 10
damage to head hair, caused by, for example, defective waving or tinting, if—
Comment about appropriate level of ISV
An ISV in the upper half of the range will be appropriate if—
157Moderate injury affecting head hair or loss of body hair
Examples of the injury
0 to 3
Example of factor affecting ISV assessment
length of time before regrowth
Examples of the injury
11 to 20
permanent dermatitis having a severe effect on employment and domestic capability, with some mental disorder
Example of the injury
8 to 10
dermatitis that—
Example of the injury
3 to 7
dermatitis lasting for a significant period, but settling with treatment or a change of personal conduct, or both
Examples of the injury
0 to 2
itching, skin irritation or a rash, alone or in combination, that resolves with treatment within a few months of the start of treatment
section 129(d)
1PIRS rates permanent impairment caused by mental disorder
The PIRS set out in schedule 11 rates permanent impairment caused by a mental disorder.PIRS ratings are referred to in schedule 9, part 2. A PIRS rating is capable of being accepted by a court under schedule 8, section 6 only if it is—(a)assessed by a medical expert as required under this schedule and schedule 11; and(b)provided to the court in a PIRS report as required under section 12.
2Areas of functional impairment
(1)The PIRS consists of 6 scales, each of which rates permanent impairment in an area of function.(2)Each scale has 5 classes of impairment, ranging from little or no impairment to total impairment.
3Medical expert must comply with requirements
(1)A medical expert must comply with this schedule and schedule 11 in assessing a PIRS rating for a mental disorder of an injured worker.(2)The medical expert may give an assessment only if the medical expert has examined the injured worker.
(1)To assess a PIRS rating for a mental disorder of an injured worker, a medical expert must follow the steps set out in this section.Section 8 provides an example completed worksheet that could be used to assess a PIRS rating.(2)Step 1—for each area of functional impairment set out in the PIRS, the medical expert must—(a)decide which level of impairment set out in the PIRS describes the level of impairment caused by the mental disorder of the injured worker; and(b)read off from the PIRS the class, for example, class 1, that corresponds to the level that has been decided.(3)In deciding which level to choose for an area of functional impairment, the medical expert—(a)must have regard to—(i)the examples of indicators of the level of impairment set out in the PIRS for the area to the extent they are relevant in a particular case; and(ii)all factors the medical expert considers relevant to the injured worker’s level of impairment, including, for example, the injured worker’s age and pre-existing functional capacity for the area; and(b)may have regard to the range of percentages of impairment set out in the PIRS for the area as a guide to the level of impairment.The examples of impairment set out in the PIRS assume a full pre-existing functional capacity for the area which may not be appropriate in a particular case.(4)Step 2—the medical expert must list the class number of the 6 classes read off under step 1 in ascending order.(5)Step 3—the medical expert must work out the median of the class numbers (the median class score) under section 6.(6)Step 4—the medical expert must work out the total of the class numbers (the total class score) by adding together all of the class numbers.(7)Step 5—from the conversion table in section 7, the medical expert must read off the percentage impairment that corresponds to the particular median class score when found in conjunction with the particular total class score.(8)Subject to section 5, the percentage impairment is the PIRS rating assessed by the medical expert for the mental disorder of the injured worker.
5Assessment if pre-existing mental disorder
(1)If an injured worker has a pre-existing mental disorder, a medical expert must—(a)work out a percentage impairment for the pre-existing mental disorder at the time immediately before the injury using the steps set out in section 4 (the pre-injury rating); and(b)work out a percentage impairment for the current mental disorder using the steps set out in section 4 (the post-injury rating); and(c)subtract the pre-injury rating from the post-injury rating.(2)The remaining percentage impairment is the PIRS rating assessed by the medical expert for the mental disorder of the injured worker.See also section 11.
6How to work out a median class score
(1)A median class score is the number that would fall at the middle point between the third class number and the fourth class number if all the class numbers are listed in ascending order.(2)If the median class score under subsection (1) is not a whole number, the median class score must be rounded up to the nearest whole number.A median class score, as opposed to a mean class score or average class score, has the advantage of not being too influenced by 1 extreme score.
This section sets out the conversion table for use under section 4.
Conversion table for percentage impairment
Median class score
1
2
3
4
5
6
0%
Total class score
7
0%
8
1%
9
1%
4%
10
2%
5%
11
2%
5%
12
2%
6%
13
3%
7%
11%
14
3%
7%
13%
15
8%
15%
16
9%
17%
17
9%
19%
31%
18
10%
22%
34%
19
24%
37%
20
26%
41%
21
28%
44%
61%
22
30%
47%
65%
23
50%
70%
24
54%
74%
25
57%
78%
26
60%
83%
27
87%
28
91%
29
96%
30
100%
This section sets out an example of a completed worksheet that could be used to assess a PIRS rating for a mental disorder.
Area of functional impairment
Class
1
2
3
5
5
5
List of class numbers in ascending order:
1
2
3
5
5
5
Median class score (using section 6):
4
Total class score:
21
Percentage impairment (using conversion table in section 7):
44%
PIRS rating (if no pre-existing mental disorder):
44%
(1)This section applies if an injured worker refuses treatment that could lead to a significant improvement in the level of permanent impairment caused by a mental disorder of the injured worker.(2)Despite the injured worker’s refusal of treatment, a medical expert may assess a PIRS rating for the mental disorder of the injured worker.(3)The refusal of treatment must not affect the medical expert’s assessment of the PIRS rating.(4)The medical expert must note the refusal of treatment in the PIRS report and state in the report the likely effect of treatment and any reasons known to the medical expert for the refusal of treatment.(5)Subsection (6) applies if a PIRS report given to a court states that the injured worker refuses treatment that could lead to a significant improvement in the level of permanent impairment caused by the mental disorder of the injured worker.(6)The court may, in assessing the ISV for an injury or multiple injuries of the injured worker, take into account the refusal of treatment and the matters stated in the PIRS report under subsection (4).(7)In this section—PIRS report means a report under section 12.
If a medical expert assessing a PIRS rating for a mental disorder of an injured worker suspects the injured worker has a cognitive impairment, the medical expert must take into account the following factors—(a)the relevant medical history of the injured worker;(b)any medical treatment, and progress towards rehabilitation, for the cognitive impairment;(c)any results of radiological scans, including CT and MRI scans, electroencephalograms and psychometric tests made available to the medical expert.
11Pre-existing mental disorder
If a medical expert assessing a PIRS rating for a mental disorder of an injured worker considers the injured worker had a pre-existing mental disorder, the medical expert must—(a)make appropriate enquiry into the pre-existing mental disorder; and(b)consider any psychiatric or psychological reports made available to the medical expert.
12Court to be given PIRS report
(1)This section applies if a party to a proceeding wants a court to accept a PIRS rating assessed by a medical expert for a mental disorder of an injured worker.(2)The party must give the court a written report from the medical expert stating the following matters—(a)the mental disorder diagnosed by the medical expert;(b)the PIRS rating assessed by the medical expert for the mental disorder of the injured worker;(c)how the PIRS rating is assessed, including—(i)for each area of functional impairment set out in the PIRS—(A)the relevant clinical findings; and(B)the level of impairment set out in the PIRS that the medical expert decided described the level of impairment caused by the mental disorder of the injured worker; and(C)the class set out in the PIRS that corresponds to the level that was decided; and(ii)the median class score and total class score worked out under section 4; and(iii)if the injured worker had a pre-existing mental disorder, the information mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) in relation to the pre-injury rating and the post-injury rating as defined under section 5;(d)details of any cognitive impairment of the injured worker.
section 129(c)
Area of functional impairment: self-care and personal hygieneClass | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• can live independently | |||
• looks after himself or herself adequately, although may look unkempt occasionally | |||
• sometimes misses a meal or relies on takeaway food | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• can not live independently without regular support | |||
• needs prompting to shower daily and wear clean clothes | |||
• does not prepare own meals | |||
• frequently misses meals | |||
• if living independently, a family member or community nurse visits, or needs to visit, 2 to 3 times a week to ensure a minimum level of hygiene and nutrition | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• needs supervised residential care | |||
• if unsupervised, may accidentally or deliberately hurt himself or herself | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• needs assistance with basic functions, for example, feeding or toileting |
Area of functional impairment: social and recreational activities
Class | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
• regularly goes to cinemas, restaurants or other recreational venues | |||
• belongs to clubs or associations and is actively involved in them | |||
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• occasionally goes to social events without needing a support person, but does not become actively involved, for example, by dancing or cheering a team | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• rarely goes to social events, and usually only when prompted by family or a friend | |||
• does not become involved in social events | |||
• will not go out without a support person | |||
• remains quiet and withdrawn | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• never leaves own residence | |||
• tolerates the company of a family member or close friend | |||
• will go to a different room or garden when a person, other than a family member or close friend, comes to visit someone at own residence | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• can not tolerate living with anybody | |||
• extremely uncomfortable when visited by a close family member |
Area of functional impairment: travel
Class | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
• can travel to new environments without supervision | |||
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• can travel without a support person, but only in a familiar area, for example, to go to the local shops or visit a neighbour | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• can not travel away from own residence without a support person | |||
• there may be problems resulting from excessive anxiety or cognitive impairment | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• finds it extremely uncomfortable to leave his or her own residence even with a trusted person | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• can not be left unsupervised, even at own residence | |||
• may require 2 or more persons to supervise him or her when travelling |
Area of functional impairment: social functioning
Class | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
• has no difficulty in forming and sustaining relationships, for example, with a spouse or close friend lasting years | |||
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• existing relationships are strained | |||
• tension and arguments between the injured worker and a spouse or close family member | |||
• some friendships are lost | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• established relationships are severely strained, as is shown by periods of separation or domestic violence | |||
• if the injured worker has children, then a spouse, family members or community services are providing most of the care for the children | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• can not form or sustain long-term relationships | |||
• pre-existing relationships, for example, with a spouse or close friend, have ended | |||
• can not care for dependants, for example, child dependants (if any) or an elderly parent | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• can not function within society | |||
• lives away from populated areas | |||
• actively avoids social contact |
Area of functional impairment: concentration, persistence and pace
Class | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
• can complete vocational education and training or a university course within a normal time frame | |||
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• can undertake a basic or standard retraining course at a slower pace | |||
• can focus on intellectually demanding tasks for up to 30 minutes, then may feel fatigued or develop headaches | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• can not read more than newspaper articles | |||
• finds it difficult to follow complex instructions, for example, operating manuals or building plans | |||
• can not make significant repairs to motor vehicle or type long documents | |||
• can not follow a pattern for making clothes or tapestry or knitting | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• able only to read a few lines before losing concentration | |||
• has difficulty in following simple instructions | |||
• impaired concentration is obvious even during brief conversation | |||
• can not live alone or needs regular assistance from family members or community services | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• needs constant supervision and assistance within an institutional environment |
Area of functional impairment: adaptation
This area of functional impairment deals with employability.
Class | Level of impairment | Examples of indicators of level of impairmentNote— These must be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(a)(i). | Percentage impairment rangesNote— These may be had regard to under schedule 10, section 4(3)(b). |
Class 1 | Little or no impairment | 0 to 3% | |
• can work full-time in the position (the pre-injury position) in which the injured worker worked immediately before the injury | |||
• the injured worker’s duties at work and performance of the duties are consistent with the worker’s education and training | |||
• can cope with the normal demands of the job | |||
Class 2 | Mild impairment | 4 to 10% | |
• can work in the pre-injury position, but for no more than 20 hours a week, for example, because the injured worker is no longer happy to work with particular persons | |||
• can work full-time in a different position where performance of the relevant duties requires the use of comparable skill and intellect to that required to perform the duties of the pre-injury position | |||
Class 3 | Moderate impairment | 11 to 30% | |
• can not work at all in the pre-injury position | |||
• only able to work less than 20 hours a week in a different position where performance of the relevant duties requires less skill or is otherwise less demanding, for example, less stressful | |||
Class 4 | Severe impairment | 31 to 60% | |
• can not work more than 1 or 2 days at a time | |||
• works less than 20 hours a fortnight | |||
• the pace at which work is done is reduced | |||
• attendance at work is erratic | |||
Class 5 | Totally impaired | more than 60% | |
• needs constant supervision and assistance within an institutional environment |
Table 1—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,180 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $5,900 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,410 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $12,950 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,650 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $21,200 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $1,880 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $30,600 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,120 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $41,200 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,360 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $53,000 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $2,590 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $65,950 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $2,830 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $80,100 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,040 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $110,500 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,250 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $143,000 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $3,460 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $177,600 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $3,680 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $214,400 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $3,890 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $253,300 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,120 |
Table 2—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,210 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $6,050 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,450 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $13,300 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,700 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $21,800 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $1,930 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $31,450 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,180 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $42,350 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,430 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $54,500 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $2,660 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $67,800 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $2,910 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $82,350 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,130 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $113,650 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,340 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $147,050 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $3,560 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $182,650 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $3,780 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $220,450 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,000 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $260,450 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,240 |
Table 3—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1270 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $6,350 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,530 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $14,000 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,790 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $22,950 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,030 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $33,100 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,300 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $44,600 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,560 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $57,400 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $2,800 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $71,400 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,070 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $86,750 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,300 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $119,750 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,520 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $154,950 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $3,750 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $192,450 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $3,980 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $232,250 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,210 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $274,350 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,470 |
Table 4—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,310 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $6,550 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,580 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $14,450 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,840 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $23,650 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,090 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $34,100 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,370 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $45,950 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,640 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $59,150 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $2,880 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $73,550 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,160 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $89,350 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,400 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $123,350 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,620 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $159,550 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $3,860 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $198,150 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,100 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $239,150 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,340 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $282,550 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,600 |
Table 5—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,360 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $6,800 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,640 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $15,000 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,910 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $24,550 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,170 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $35,400 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,460 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $47,700 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,740 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $61,400 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $2,990 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $76,350 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,280 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $92,750 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,530 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $128,050 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,760 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $165,650 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $4,010 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $205,750 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,260 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $248,350 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,500 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $293,350 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,770 |
Table 6—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,390 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $6,950 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,680 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $15,350 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,960 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $25,150 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,220 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $36,250 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,520 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $48,850 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,810 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $62,900 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $3,060 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $78,200 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,360 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $95,000 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,620 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $131,200 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,850 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $169,700 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $4,110 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $210,800 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,360 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $254,400 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,610 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $300,500 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,890 |
Table 7—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,410 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $7,050 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,710 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $15,600 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $1,990 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $25,550 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,260 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $36,850 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,560 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $49,650 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,860 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $63,950 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $3,110 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $79,500 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,420 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $96,600 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,680 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $133,400 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $3,920 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $172,600 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $4,180 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $214,400 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,440 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $258,800 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,690 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $305,700 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $4,970 |
Table 8—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,450 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $7,250 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,760 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $16,050 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $2,050 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $26,300 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,330 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $37,950 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,640 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $51,150 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $2,950 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $65,900 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $3,210 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $81,950 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,530 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $99,600 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,790 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $137,500 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $4,040 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $177,900 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $4,310 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $221,000 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,580 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $266,800 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,830 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $315,100 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $5,120 |
Table 9—For an injury sustained from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 (dates inclusive) | |||
Item | Injury scale value | Base amount | Variable amount |
1 | 5 or less | — | Injury scale value x $1,490 |
2 | 10 or less but more than 5 | $7,450 | (Injury scale value - 5) x $1,810 |
3 | 15 or less but more than 10 | $16,500 | (Injury scale value - 10) x $2,110 |
4 | 20 or less but more than 15 | $27,050 | (Injury scale value - 15) x $2,400 |
5 | 25 or less but more than 20 | $39,050 | (Injury scale value - 20) x $2,720 |
6 | 30 or less but more than 25 | $52,650 | (Injury scale value - 25) x $3,040 |
7 | 35 or less but more than 30 | $67,850 | (Injury scale value - 30) x $3,310 |
8 | 40 or less but more than 35 | $84,400 | (Injury scale value - 35) x $3,640 |
9 | 50 or less but more than 40 | $102,600 | (Injury scale value - 40) x $3,900 |
10 | 60 or less but more than 50 | $141,600 | (Injury scale value - 50) x $4,160 |
11 | 70 or less but more than 60 | $183,200 | (Injury scale value - 60) x $4,440 |
12 | 80 or less but more than 70 | $227,600 | (Injury scale value - 70) x $4,720 |
13 | 90 or less but more than 80 | $274,800 | (Injury scale value - 80) x $4,980 |
14 | 100 or less but more than 90 | $324,600 | (Injury scale value - 90) x $5,270 |
Table 10—For an injury sustained on or after 1 July 2020 | ||
Item | Injury scale value | General damages |
1 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 1 | 0.95 times QOTE |
3 | 2 | 1.90 times QOTE |
4 | 3 | 2.84 times QOTE |
5 | 4 | 3.79 times QOTE |
6 | 5 | 4.74 times QOTE |
7 | 6 | 5.89 times QOTE |
8 | 7 | 7.04 times QOTE |
9 | 8 | 8.19 times QOTE |
10 | 9 | 9.34 times QOTE |
11 | 10 | 10.49 times QOTE |
12 | 11 | 11.83 times QOTE |
13 | 12 | 13.17 times QOTE |
14 | 13 | 14.51 times QOTE |
15 | 14 | 15.85 times QOTE |
16 | 15 | 17.19 times QOTE |
17 | 16 | 18.72 times QOTE |
18 | 17 | 20.24 times QOTE |
19 | 18 | 21.76 times QOTE |
20 | 19 | 23.29 times QOTE |
21 | 20 | 24.81 times QOTE |
22 | 21 | 26.54 times QOTE |
23 | 22 | 28.27 times QOTE |
24 | 23 | 30.00 times QOTE |
25 | 24 | 31.73 times QOTE |
26 | 25 | 33.45 times QOTE |
27 | 26 | 35.39 times QOTE |
28 | 27 | 37.32 times QOTE |
29 | 28 | 39.25 times QOTE |
30 | 29 | 41.18 times QOTE |
31 | 30 | 43.11 times QOTE |
32 | 31 | 45.21 times QOTE |
33 | 32 | 47.32 times QOTE |
34 | 33 | 49.42 times QOTE |
35 | 34 | 51.52 times QOTE |
36 | 35 | 53.63 times QOTE |
37 | 36 | 55.94 times QOTE |
38 | 37 | 58.25 times QOTE |
39 | 38 | 60.56 times QOTE |
40 | 39 | 62.88 times QOTE |
41 | 40 | 65.19 times QOTE |
42 | 41 | 67.67 times QOTE |
43 | 42 | 70.14 times QOTE |
44 | 43 | 72.62 times QOTE |
45 | 44 | 75.10 times QOTE |
46 | 45 | 77.58 times QOTE |
47 | 46 | 80.06 times QOTE |
48 | 47 | 82.53 times QOTE |
49 | 48 | 85.01 times QOTE |
50 | 49 | 87.49 times QOTE |
51 | 50 | 89.97 times QOTE |
52 | 51 | 92.61 times QOTE |
53 | 52 | 95.25 times QOTE |
54 | 53 | 97.90 times QOTE |
55 | 54 | 100.54 times QOTE |
56 | 55 | 103.18 times QOTE |
57 | 56 | 105.82 times QOTE |
58 | 57 | 108.47 times QOTE |
59 | 58 | 111.11 times QOTE |
60 | 59 | 113.75 times QOTE |
61 | 60 | 116.40 times QOTE |
62 | 61 | 119.22 times QOTE |
63 | 62 | 122.04 times QOTE |
64 | 63 | 124.86 times QOTE |
65 | 64 | 127.68 times QOTE |
66 | 65 | 130.50 times QOTE |
67 | 66 | 133.32 times QOTE |
68 | 67 | 136.14 times QOTE |
69 | 68 | 138.96 times QOTE |
70 | 69 | 141.78 times QOTE |
71 | 70 | 144.60 times QOTE |
72 | 71 | 147.60 times QOTE |
73 | 72 | 150.60 times QOTE |
74 | 73 | 153.60 times QOTE |
75 | 74 | 156.60 times QOTE |
76 | 75 | 159.60 times QOTE |
77 | 76 | 162.60 times QOTE |
78 | 77 | 165.60 times QOTE |
79 | 78 | 168.59 times QOTE |
80 | 79 | 171.59 times QOTE |
81 | 80 | 174.59 times QOTE |
82 | 81 | 177.76 times QOTE |
83 | 82 | 180.92 times QOTE |
84 | 83 | 184.08 times QOTE |
85 | 84 | 187.25 times QOTE |
86 | 85 | 190.41 times QOTE |
87 | 86 | 193.58 times QOTE |
88 | 87 | 196.74 times QOTE |
89 | 88 | 199.90 times QOTE |
90 | 89 | 203.07 times QOTE |
91 | 90 | 206.23 times QOTE |
92 | 91 | 209.58 times QOTE |
93 | 92 | 212.93 times QOTE |
94 | 93 | 216.28 times QOTE |
95 | 94 | 219.62 times QOTE |
96 | 95 | 222.97 times QOTE |
97 | 96 | 226.32 times QOTE |
98 | 97 | 229.67 times QOTE |
99 | 98 | 233.02 times QOTE |
100 | 99 | 236.36 times QOTE |
101 | 100 | 239.71 times QOTE |
sch 12 sub 2015 SL No. 47 s 14
amd 2017 SL No. 110 s 14; 2018 SL No. 82 s 12; 2019 SL No. 113 s 12; 2019 Act No. 33 s 90
actuarial standard means ‘Professional Standard 300—Actuarial reports and advice on outstanding claims in general insurance’ issued by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (ACN 000 423 656).
A copy of the standard may be inspected at the Regulator’s office.
actuary means an actuary approved by the Regulator.
adverse psychological reaction does not include a mental disorder.
AMA 4 means the ‘Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment’ (4th edition) published by the American Medical Association.
AMA 5 means the ‘Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment’ (5th edition) published by the American Medical Association.
ankylosis means fixation of a joint in a specific position.
appointed actuary means—
(a)for part 3, division 3—an actuary appointed under section 49; and
(b)for part 3, division 4—an actuary approved by the Regulator under section 84(4) of the Act to assess the self-insurer’s estimated claims liability.
sch 13 def appointed actuary amd 2016 Act No. 44 s 53 sch 1
arbiter means the actuarial arbiter appointed under section 93.
AS/NZS means a standard published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
assessed premium, for an employer, means premium calculated using the employer’s wages for a period of insurance.
assessment day means—
(a)for part 3, division 1—the last day of the financial quarter immediately before the day the application for self-insurance is lodged; and
(b)for part 3, division 2—the last day of the financial quarter immediately before the day the self-insurer applies to the Regulator under section 89 of the Act for a change in the group membership on the licence; and
(c)for part 3, division 3—last day of the financial quarter immediately before the cancellation day; and
(d)for part 3, division 5—the last day of the financial quarter immediately before the cancellation day; and
(e)for part 3, division 6—the last day of the financial quarter immediately before the final day.
binaural tables means the binaural tables recommended and published by National Acoustic Laboratories.
cancellation day means—
(a)for part 3, division 3—the day the former self-insurer’s licence is cancelled; and
(b)for part 3, division 5—the day the non-scheme employer’s continued licence is cancelled under section 105E of the Act.
category, for schedule 4B, see schedule 4B, section 2(1)(b).
sch 13 def category ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 37
central estimate has the meaning given by the actuarial standard, section 10.
childrens functional independence measure instrument, for part 5A, division 1, see section 117A.
sch 13 def childrens functional independence measure instrument ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 52
claim means—
(a)an application for compensation; or
(b)a claim for damages.
consecutive categories, for schedule 4B, see schedule 4B, section 3.
sch 13 def consecutive categories ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 37
consent day means the day the Regulator approves the application for the change in the self-insurer’s membership.
continued licence, for a non-scheme employer, see section 105B(2) of the Act.
corresponding score, for a category, for schedule 4B, see schedule 4B, section 1.
sch 13 def corresponding score ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 37
decision, of an insurer, for part 4, division 3A, subdivision 4, see section 112L.
sch 13 def decision ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
digestive system—
(a)means the organs and other parts of the body forming the alimentary tract, and includes the tongue, throat and abdominal wall; but
(b)does not include an organ or other part of the body mentioned in the injury column of schedule 9.
dominant injury, of multiple injuries, means—
(a)if the highest range for 2 or more of the injuries of the multiple injuries is the same—the injury of those injuries selected as the dominant injury by a court assessing an ISV; or
(b)otherwise—the injury of the multiple injuries having the highest range.
The selection as a dominant injury of a particular injury from 2 or more injuries having the same highest range will not affect the outcome of the court’s assessment of an ISV for the multiple injuries.
DPI amount, for schedule 4A, see schedule 4A, section 1(a).
sch 13 def DPI amount ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
DSM 4 means the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2000.
estimated claims liability has the same meaning as in section 84(8) of the Act.
sch 13 def estimated claims liability amd 2016 Act No. 44 s 53 sch 1
estimated claims liability amount, for part 3, division 3 means the amount of a self-insurer’s estimated claims liability as calculated under division 4.
final day means the day a non-scheme member stops being a member of the old insurer under section 105M of the Act.
finalised non-scheme employer’s liability amount for part 3, division 5 means the finalised amount of a non-scheme employer’s liability as calculated under subdivision 3.
financial quarter means a period of 3 months beginning on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October.
former self-insurer’s liability amount, for part 3, division 3, means the amount of the former self-insurer’s liability calculated under this division.
functional independence measure instrument, for part 5A, division 1, see section 117A.
sch 13 def functional independence measure instrument ins 2016 Act No. 44 s 52
further premium, for an employer, means an amount, other than assessed premium or provisional premium, payable by an employer to WorkCover under the Act, and includes the following—
(a)arrears of premium;
(b)additional premium under section 8(4);
(c)interest on premium under section 10(2);
(d)an amount of unpaid premium or a payment or penalty payable under section 57(2) of the Act;
(e)additional premium for late payment under section 61 or 62 of the Act;
(f)additional premium under section 63 of the Act.
hearing loss tables means Report No. 118—Improved Procedure for Determining Percentage Loss of Hearing (1988) published by National Acoustic Laboratories.
highest range means the range of ISVs having the highest maximum ISV.
household worker means a person employed solely in and about, or in connection with, a private dwelling house or the grounds of the dwelling house.
injured worker means a worker who sustained an injury.
injury, for part 4, division 3A and schedule 4A, see section 112A.
sch 13 def injury ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
ISV means injury scale value.
last employment period see section 13(3)(b)(ii).
Le Fort I fracture means a horizontal segmented fracture of the alveolar process of the maxilla.
Le Fort II fracture means a unilateral or bilateral fracture of the maxilla—
(a)in which the body of the maxilla is separated from the facial skeleton and pyramidal in shape; and
(b)that may extend through the body of the maxilla down the midline of the hard palate, through the floor of the orbit and into the nasal cavity.
Le Fort III fracture means a fracture in which the entire maxilla and 1 or more facial bones are completely separated from the brain case.
legal cost amount, for schedule 4A, see schedule 4A, section 1(b).
sch 13 def legal cost amount ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
lower extremity see AMA 4.
medical expert, for an assessment of a PIRS rating, means a person—
(a)who is appropriately qualified to perform the assessment, including a psychologist, neuropsychologist or psychiatrist; and
(b)who has had appropriate training in the use of the PIRS.
medical specialty means the branch of medicine that is a recognised specialty under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law that is relevant to the matters referred to the Tribunal for decision.
mental disorder means a mental disorder recognised under DSM 4.
modified barthel index means the guidelines and modified scoring of the barthel index stated in the article Improving the Sensitivity of the Barthel Index for Stroke Rehabilitation by S Shah, F Vanclay and B Cooper published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 1989, vol 42 no 8, pp 703-709.
new insurer means the party assuming the liability.
non-scheme employer’s liability amount means an amount for a non-scheme employer’s liability.
nurse means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the nursing profession.
sch 13 def nurse ins 2021 Act No. 10 s 10
old insurer means—
(a)for part 3, division 2—the party with whom the liability currently resides;
(b)for part 3, division 6—the self-insurer of which the non-scheme member was a member.
ophthalmologists guide means the publication Percentage Incapacity—A Guide for Members published by the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists in 1992.
A copy of the ophthalmologists guide may be obtained at the Regulator’s office.
outstanding liability amount, for part 3, division 1, means the amount of the self-insurer’s outstanding liability calculated under this division.
panel see section 112A.
sch 13 def panel ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
PIRS means the psychiatric impairment rating scale set out in schedule 11.
PIRS rating, for a mental disorder, means a rating on the PIRS for the permanent impairment caused by the mental disorder.
pre-existing, in relation to an injury, means existing at the time immediately before the injury.
premium includes assessed premium, provisional premium and further premium.
presbycusis correction table means the presbycusis correction table recommended and published by Hearing Australia.
provisional annual levy see section 18.
provisional premium, for an employer, means premium calculated using a reasonable estimate of wages for a period of insurance.
prudential margin has the meaning given by the actuarial standard, section 12.
qualifying condition see section 112A.
sch 13 def qualifying condition ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
range, in relation to an ISV for an injury, means the range of ISVs for the injury set out in schedule 9.
reading, of a chest x-ray, for schedule 4B, see schedule 4B, section 2.
sch 13 def reading ins 2017 Act No. 27 s 37
registered training organisation see the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000, schedule 3.
Regulator’s actuary means an actuary asked by the Regulator to give a report under section 61.
relevant parties, for part 3, division 2, means the old insurer and the new insurer.
risk free rate of return has the meaning given by the actuarial standard, section 13.
section 193A compensation, for an injury, see section 112A.
sch 13 def section 193A compensation ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
section 193A notice, for part 4, division 3A, see section 112G(1).
sch 13 def section 193A notice ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
specified worker see section 112A.
sch 13 def specified worker ins 2015 SL No. 135 s 13
self-insurer’s data, for part 3, division 4, means data that will enable the actuary to calculate the self-insurer’s estimated claims liability and prepare and give to the Regulator and the self-insurer an actuarial report on the calculation.
specialty medical assessment tribunal see section 138(1)(b).
total liability amount, means the amount of the total liability after a change in the self-insurer’s membership.
total liability amount means—
(a)for part 3, division 2—an amount of liability after a change in the self-insurer’s membership; and
(b)for part 3, division 6—an amount of liability after a change in the self-insurer’s membership.
upper extremity see AMA 4.