Gallagher Bassett will join Employers Mutual SA as an approved claims agent for WorkCover SA next year, under a reform of the authority.

“The announcement of the new claims agent arrangements is a significant step towards continuing to improve the scheme’s performance and the state’s return-to-work rates,” WorkCover SA Chairman Philip Bentley said.

Under the new system, employers will nominate which claims agent they want to use next year. WorkCover SA will consider these preferences while giving each agent a 50% market share.

From 2014 employers can change their claims agent and market share will no longer be regulated.

Last month WorkCover SA introduced an experience rating system to calculate premiums for medium-sized and large employers. It gives incentives for businesses to reduce claims and improve return-to-work outcomes.

Australia-based Employers Mutual has been the sole claims agent since 2006.

Gallagher Bassett also acts as a claims agent in Victoria and NSW.