WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE
We have access to the five major Workers' Compensation insurers and are well positioned to assist you with arranging competitive cover for this complex and compulsory area of insurance. Our highly experienced staff are also ready to assist you in the event of a claim.
Important things you should know
All of the following are true:
Workers’ Compensation(Employer’s Indemnity) Insurance is compulsory for all employers in Western Australia.
You can not ‘contract out’ of your liability under workers’ compensation as part of employment conditions.
Public Liability insurance is no substitute for a workers’ compensation policy.
Workers’ compensation insurance does not automatically renew.
Journey claims to from work are excluded but employees travelling under the employer’s direction would be covered under the Act.
Accidents do happen despite the employer’s procedures and best intentions.
Common misconceptions surrounding Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Employers have a legal obligation to have workers compensation insurance cover for all ‘workers’ (penalties apply for avoidance). The legal definition of "worker" is broad, including but not limited to workers on a wage or salary (full-time, part-time, casual or seasonal), and certain contractors and sub-contractors. A full definition of 'workers' can be found at www.workcover.wa.gov.au.
What is covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act?
Compensation for lost of wages limited to The Prescribed Amount
Reasonable medical expenses
Vocational rehabilitation
Reasonable travel costs
Rate of pay is averaged over the first 13 weeks with possible “step down” from 14th week onwards
Compensation for loss or impairment of some part or faculty of the body.
Claims process
The attached claims procedure document will assist you through the process in this complex area of insurance. It’s important to remember;
Injured worker and employer claim forms need to be completed and submitted to insurer (with any witness statement) and first medical certificate/first certificate of capacity as soon as possible
Don’t admit liability or pay wages until claim accepted by your insurer
The insurer will confirm correct rate of pay for injured worker
Good Workers’ compensation claims management relies on good record keeping. Keep copies of all documents.
Important to note – you may be liable and not know it
Employing people with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries could result in you being responsible for aggravation of an underlying condition, in the event of a claim. When you employ a worker, you take them on with all their medical history and you should be careful to ensure that the worker is capable of undertaking the work duties intended.
In some circumstances, a worker residing on the property or work site, may be covered under workers’ compensation for injuries sustained away from the actual work place.
If such a claim is made or you think that a claim may be likely, speak with us as soon as possible.
Contact us
We are committed to working with you to minimise the impact of claims costs and your time in dealing with claim matters, which might best be spent in your work place.
The combination of good claims management and negotiating the best premium rate can translate to significant saving each year.