FAQ for Queensland Employers Regarding WorkCover
As an employer, it’s crucial you have a thorough understanding of what you need to do regarding Workers’ Compensation to protect your business and employees. WorkCover Queensland is a government-owned statutory body, providing workers’ compensation insurance in Queensland. WorkCover is compulsory insurance that covers all Australian employees, and provides them with protection against workplace-related injuries or illnesses regardless of who is at fault.
The purpose of WorkCover is to ensure that full-time, part-time, and casual workers receive support via benefits and financial compensation if they suffer an injury or illness in the workplace.
Do I need a WorkCover policy?
It is mandatory for all Queensland employers to hold a WorkCover accident insurance policy, unless the employer holds a self-insurance licence.
What are my responsibilities as an employer if an employee is injured at work?
Employers have a legal responsibility to notify WorkCover Queensland immediately of an injury which compensation may be payable. With details of the injury, a report should be lodged as soon as possible. After this, it is the employees’ decision to make a claim. If a claim is submitted, a WorkCover advisor will make contact for further details and ascertain whether the claim has been successful or not.
What is a journey claim?
A journey claim is when the injury occurs between the home and the intended place of work. It can also include the journey between the home, workplace or another place of trade or training that is required as part of the employees’ work duties. Find out more about journey claims here.
If the claim is accepted, what are my employer obligations?
You should take every reasonable step to cooperate and participate with the recommended rehabilitation and provide suitable duties for your employee if possible. Ensure you keep WorkCover informed about your employees progress in returning to work to assist with making the return to work as quick and safe as possible. Read more about employer and employee obligations in WorkCover claims here.
What is a suitable duties plan?
If, as a result of the employees’ injury or illness, they are unable to return to their normal duties, WorkCover will develop a suitable duties plan to help the employee to stay at, or return to work quickly and safely. The plan will take into account the employees’ current work capacity, medical advice, and the individual circumstances of their case. In some instances, your business may not have appropriate duties available, in which case WorkCover may find a host placement with a host employer instead.
What do I do if I believe there is fraudulent activity involved in the claim?
If you believe that there is fraudulent activity in an employees’ WorkCover claim, contact your WorkCover Queensland claims advisor. You may decide to seek legal advice to protect your employee rights and business.
Navigating WorkCover policies and claims can be complex, depending on the severity of an employees injuries or illnesses. Contacting your WorkCover claims advisor is a great first point of contact. We recommend seeking further advice from an employment law expert who can support you, your business and employees through the process.
For further guidance or legal advice, contact our team at Optimum Legal on 07 3228 8400 or info@optimumlegal.com.au