Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation law states that employers must have workers’ compensation coverage for anyone who is defined in the legislation as a ‘worker’ regardless of their age.

Definition of a worker

The legislation provides a very broad definition of a ‘worker’.

It covers:

• Full-time workers on a wage or salary
• Part-time, casual and seasonal workers
• Workers on commission
• Piece workers
• Working directors (companies now have an option as to whether working directors who have some ownership of the company and are ‘workers’ under the act are to be insured)
• Contractors and sub-contractors may also be defined as ‘workers’, depending on the circumstances of their working arrangement.

Generally, individual workers cannot cover themselves for workers’ compensation, even if they are self-employed and have an ABN. 

***An exception is when an individual is a working director of a company and then it is optional whether they choose to be covered for workers’ compensation insurance.

If you are the injured worker, immediately report the injury to your employer.

See a doctor to get a First Certificate of Capacity, then complete a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form. Give a copy of each to your employer.

Your employer can then contact us to lodge a claim for you.

The insurer will then decide if your claim is accepted, disputed or on hold pending further information.

You can forward all invoices/bills relating to the worker to your broker as soon as possible.

It is also important for you as a worker or employer to file copies for your own reference.

For injured workers it is essential that you are an active participant in your Return to Work Program and that you are making sufficient efforts to return to work.

Some acceptable costs that would be covered include:

• First aid and ambulance
• Medicines
• Medical or surgical attendance
• Treatment by specialists
• Charges for hospital treatment
• Other approved treatment (dental, physiotherapy, chiropractor, osteopathy, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, exercise physiology etc).

• Perhaps some travel costs - for example your visits to medical appointments. However it is recommended that you keep detailed records of the kilometres travelled, dates, appointment times, receipts for public transport etc.