Bosses wanting to sit in on the medical appointments of injured workers have been given notice by the WA Government regulator they are not welcome.

WorkCover has issued a 'clarifying notice' after acknowledging the practice of some employers attending medical consultations with injured employees.

"There is no legal or operational basis for employers or their representatives to be present during a medical consultation between an injured worker and a treating doctor," stated WorkCover's recently published notice.

"This applies even where treatment is recommended or facilitated by the employer."

The issue gained national prominence last year when Perth supermarket worker Nyrie Stringer spoke of her "humiliation" at having a male manager in his 60s sit in on an appointment with a company doctor her employer insisted she attend.

She had suffered injuries including sprains and bruising after falling from the back of a delivery truck onto bitumen, and was claiming workers' compensation.

"I had to give this person who I've never met in my life my medical history with the store manager present, which they said had to happen because they had to witness what the doctor was saying," she said.

"I didn't know that I had any input or any choice in this. I felt very backed into a corner and signed off on the forms because they said I had to."

Her story prompted hundreds of others to share similar experiences on social media.

Workcover move welcomed

Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said he was pleased WorkCover WA had moved to clear up any confusion.

"Clearly all workers have a right to see a doctor about treatment without interference from any other person," he said.

"Of course employers have a right to get a medical report, case summaries and all those things, but in respect of the treatment, that is a matter between a doctor and a worker, as it is with any other person consulting a doctor."

Workcover says employees should be able to choose their own doctor. ( Flickr: Alex Proimos )

WorkCover also sought to clarify the requirements relating to worker choice of doctor.

"Injured workers have the right to choose their own treating medical practitioner for the purpose of medical treatment and initiating a workers' compensation claim," the notice stated.

"Employers may recommend a medical practitioner to the worker.

"However, an employer or insurer should not require or coerce an injured worker to attend a medical practitioner nominated by them for the purpose of medical treatment of a work place injury and the worker obtaining certification for claiming compensation."

Push for $100k employer fines

WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Chief Executive Officer Chris Rodwell said while he supported the right of injured workers to choose their own doctors, there were advantages in employers recommending practitioners.

"Some doctors are already familiar with individual workplaces and the type of work performed there," Mr Rodwell said.

Chris Rodwell says choosing employer-recommended practitioners could be beneficial. ( ABC News: Eliza Laschon )

"This gives them an advantage in making an accurate and timely assessment of an injury, and advising the best treatment to help that person safely return to the workplace."

Unions WA said while WorkCover's notice was long overdue, it would go a long way towards resolving disputes.

"It's a really clear and definitive statement from the regulator that says there's no reason why employers should be in a medical appointment of a worker," Unions WA assistant secretary Owen Whittle said.

He said Unions WA wanted fines of up to $100,000 for employers who ignore the rules, and said doctors should kick meddling bosses out of consultations.

The Australian Medical Association has been contacted for a response.