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 Workers Compensation is a compulsory Insurance legislated by the Government and therefore has many obligations placed on the Employer to ensure his employees return home from working the same condition as they arrived.
There are three critical areas an Employer must have in place to avoid increased premiums and prosecution.
Current Policy in force:
A Certificate of currency confirming you have a current workers compensation policy in place for;
- Direct Employees - Wages must be declared for all employees including overtime and above award payments,
- Working Directors - As legislation is quite complicated in this area check with your broker if you have to declare.
- Contractors - your obligation again varies from contractor to contractor and again check with your broker.
- Contractual Obligations - Have you entered into a contract with a principal, this should be noted on your policy.
Managing Safety:
Many workplaces have hazards that place employees at risk of injury and harm to their health. Managing Health and Safety is as important as running your business's finances,taxes,licensing,production and sales.
By managing safety you will reduce the risks of;
- experiencing the human cost of death, injury or ill health of you staff.
- suffering financial costs from work stoppages, broken machinery and loss of competent staff.
- meeting workers compensation costs and increases in premiums.
- facing enforcement action, such as prosecution under occupational safety and health laws.
If you need assistance to kick start a risk management program speak to your Broker.
Claims Management:
Current Legislative changes have placed the onus on Employers to understand their obligation to injured employees.you will need to implement the following or incur a $2000 penalty per breach for;
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Employers must ensure an injury management system is established in relation to its workers.
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The establishment, content and implementation must be in accordance with the code.
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A return to work program must be in place as soon as the workers medical practioner signs a medical certificate that the worker has a total or partial capacity to RTW.
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Also a fine of $1000 per lost time injury claim of 12 weeks not notified within 7 working days to workcover.
Western United have contractors that can assist the development of your program,please contact your Broker.
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Workers Compensation
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