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WorkCover FAQs
Claims Management FAQs
What information do we need to provide for claims management?
Generally we only need a brief overview from the employer, as a majority of the data will come from your Workers Comp Agent.
How often will we receive an update on the claim’s status?
An update is provided on a day by day basis or worst case at the conclusion of every week.
Is assistance with calculating accurate weekly pays for injured workers included?
Yes, we provide a running payroll summary at the conclusion of each week so accurate pays can be made to your injured staff.
Does an injury claim affect your premium?
If your rateable remuneration is less than $200,000 there’s some good news, your premium is not likely to be affected.
If it is more than $200,000, your claim history may impact your Workers Compensation Premium. This is based on your employer performance rating, which is displayed on your premium notice. The rating is an indication of your claims performance relative to other employers operating within the same industry and is used to recalculate your premium rate.
What is classified as a notifiable incident to WorkSafe?
Generally, a notifiable incident is an incident that results in a person needing medical treatment within 48 hours of being exposed to a substance; a person needing immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital; a person needing immediate medical treatment for one of the following injuries: amputation, serious head injury or serious eye injury, removal of skin, electric shock, spinal injury, loss of a bodily function, serious lacerations (example: requiring stitching or other medical treatment); or the death of a person.
You can find all of the specifics on the WorkSafe website.
What happens if your employee doesn’t notify you of an injury until later?
If an employee notifies you more than 30 days after becoming aware of a workplace injury, this does not automatically mean they are not eligible for Workers Compensation. You will still need to report the injury within 48 hours of your employee informing you and the claim for Workers Compensation will be judged on a case by case basis.
What are the out of pocket expenses for employers when an employee is injured?
If an employee notifies you more than 30 days after becoming aware of a workplace injury, this does not automatically mean they are not eligible for Workers Compensation. You will still need to report the injury within 48 hours of your employee informing you and the claim for Workers Compensation will be judged on a case by case basis.
What does a Workers Compensation consultant do?
We’re here to make sure you are meeting your legal responsibility and reducing the impact that Workers Compensation claims have on your organisation and your staff. This can include: checking that you’re not paying more for your insurance premiums than you need to; obtaining any premium refunds your entitled to; managing an injury claim properly from the time it’s reported; making sure your injury claims are being managed and are finalised in your best interests; and helping manage workers through the return to work program. You can find a full list of our services on our website.
WorkCover Policy Setup FAQs
How long do you have after employing someone to set up a WorkCover policy?
Generally, you must register for WorkCover insurance if you or your company employs any workers in Victoria. You must register for WorkCover insurance within 60 days of the date you first meet eligibility requirements.
How long does it take to be covered by a new policy setup by JGA?
We suggest allowing 72 hours, but in most cases you are covered immediately after we submit your policy application.
Do I have to liaise with the Workers Compensation Agent?
No you don’t! JGA undertakes all communication on your behalf.
When will I know I have a new Policy?
You will receive an email from us with a welcome letter from the WorkCover Agent and a Certificate of Currency.
When is my new policy payable?
You will receive an invoice within 14 days of your policy being set up with instructions on how to pay.
What happens if I don’t have a WorkCover policy?
If you’re not registered for WorkCover insurance when you should be, you may face severe penalties. If an employee is injured and you are not covered, you can also be required to reimburse WorkSafe for any compensation paid to your injured workers.
Does a sole trader need WorkCover insurance?
A sole trader who does not employ other does not need to register. If you are a sole trader with employees on a full-time, part-time or casual basis, it is then a legal requirement to hold a WorkCover policy.
Do I need Income Protection insurance and WorkCover insurance?
While not compulsory to have, income protection insurance can provide greater peace of mind as it covers income lost due to accidents and illnesses that may be sustained outside of work. WorkCover insurance only covers for injuries sustained in the workplace.
Do I need Workers Compensation insurance for subcontractors?
When you hire a subcontractor, they may bey considered to be a ‘worker’ by WorkSafe and require you to include the money you pay them in your total remuneration. You can find the guidelines that determine whether you need WorkCover for a subcontractor on the WorkSafe Victoria website.
What does a Workers Compensation consultant do?
We’re here to make sure you are meeting your legal responsibility and reducing the impact that Workers Compensation claims have on your organisation and your staff. This can include: checking that you’re not paying more for your insurance premiums than you need to; obtaining any premium refunds you’re entitled to; managing an injury claim properly from the time it’s reported; making sure your injury claims are being managed and are finalised in your best interests; and helping manage workers through the return to work program. You can find a full list of our services on our website.