The WA Government plans to overhaul the state’s Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act after a series of “piecemeal” changes over the past 30 years.

“A significant number of successive amendments has resulted in a complex and highly prescriptive statute that is difficult to understand and apply,” a WorkCover WA discussion paper says.

Some amendments have already been made to the legislation, and the Government plans to complete the process following another round of consultations.

“The aim of the second stage of the review is to rewrite the Act in a clear and cohesive way,” WorkCover says.

“Inconsistencies arising from repeated amendments are addressed and improvements to administrative or decision-making processes have been suggested.”

Proposed amendments include a clear definition of “worker” and a more streamlined claims process.

A minor claims pathway will fast-track sums for medical expenses up to $750, with payments made by the insurer without an admission of liability.

The lump sum death benefit is set to increase from $283,418 to a level equating to $516,855 in 2013/14 terms.

“WA has the second-lowest entitlement for the dependents of a deceased worker of all workers’ compensation jurisdictions,” the paper says. “This [overhaul] would address a significant entitlement gap.”

Submissions are due by February 7.

Meanwhile, QBE Manager Underwritten States Steven Burns has been appointed to the WorkCover board for three years.