The rules about how the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) is to apply to workers who suffered injuries under the former Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (SA) are complex [Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) Schedule 9].

Generally, if a worker is entitled to weekly payments at 1 July 2015 the payments will continue for a maximum of two years, unless the worker is assessed as having at least a 30% Whole Person Impairment. Assessments can be requested by workers. If found to have a 30% impairment or more their weekly payments can generally continue until retirement age, less any other earnings.

Any permanent injuries suffered before 1 July 2015 are assessed under the new assessment guidelines. If one or more injury has been assessed before 1 July 2015, any other permanent injuries arising from the same trauma need to be assessed and determined before 1 July 2016.

Any entitlements to medical expenses at 1 July 2015 will generally cease on 1 July 2016 [Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) Schedule 9, clause 35].