WorkSafe Victoria
is your Nominal Insurer Scheme
WorkCover Insurance is the name of the Workers Compensation Insurance scheme in Victoria, which is provided by WorkSafe Victoria. WorkSafe has delegated the management of the scheme to Agents, such as DXC. All businesses that have deemed workers in VIC and pay over $7,500 per year in actual wages must comply with this compulsory requirement.
Quick Quote Tips
WorkCover Insurance Victoria
Quick Quote Tip #1
Business Primary Activity
Your Workers Compensation Premium is determined by your "Primary Business Activity", which is the basis of your Quick Quote and your premium. When requesting a Quick Quote, provide as much detail as possible about your business activities. There are more than 500 business activity categories in Victoria, so it is essential to select the right one for your business.
Quick Quote Tip #2
Number of Deemed Workers
A deemed worker is a person who is considered a worker for workers compensation purposes, In Victoria deemed workers include Working Directors, employees, apprentices, and some independent contractors. It is important to remember that the number of deemed workers and their wages that you provide when requesting a quick quote are only estimates.
GJN Industries
"The team at Employers Comp have fantastic customer service, nothing is ever too hard."
Quick Quote Tip #3
Estimate of Wages
An estimate of wages is the expected amount you plan to pay your deemed workers over a financial year. This includes salaries, wages, bonuses, superannuation, and other Rateable Renumeration made to your deemed workers. Sometimes, it also covers payments made to contractors. You need to report this information to WorkCover and your Agent after your Policy Renews. Employers Comp does this process for you, saving you time to focus on your business.
Quick Quote Tip #4
Eligibility Check
Before giving you a Quick Quote, our team will do an Eligibility Check for you. In Victoria, some sole operator businesses are required to have a Workers Compensation Policy, while others aren’t. For instance, if you are a Working Director of a Company (PTY LTD with ACN), you receive a wage you don't employ any other workers, you will probably need to get an WorkCover Insurance Policy for yourself.
Handz Constructions
"I am very happy with the team at Employers Comp, they are extremely prompt and supportive"
Adams Mowing
"Employers Comp saved me time and money, it is a must for any business."
How We Help
Cover Set Up
We review your specific needs to provide you with tailored, compliant Workers Compensation insurance protection.
Actual Wages
We provide you with support in declaring your Actual Wages, Wage Audits, Contractor Testing and Deemed Worker assessments.
Unlimited Advice
Our team of experts provides you with the Unlimited Advice and guidance to help you navigate the complex world of Workers Compensation.
Renewals
Unlimited support to manage your Renewal. This includes our Representation Guarantee, supporting you through the renewal audit process.
How we Help
Employers Comp has assisted thousands of businesses in managing their Workers Compensation Insurance compliance. We assist our clients by providing the following nine core services.
Cover Set Up
We review your specific needs to provide you with tailored, compliant Workers Compensation protection.
Premium Payments
We help you manage your WIC Codes and payments to ensure you can afford your cover and avoid penalties and fines.
Actual Wage Declarations
We link with your Payroll and Accounting Software to ensure you declare your Actual Wages correctly and compliantly on time.
Contractors Compliance
Not all contractors are your deemed workers. But some are and they need to be included in your policy. We take the headache away.
Renewals
Unlimited support to manage your Renewal. This includes our Representation Guarantee, supporting you through the renewal audit process.
Registrations
Registering a new company, policy or claim we provide you with ongoing advice to save you time and provide you with peace of mind.
Documents
Have access to your documents 24/7. No matter where you are you have access to your policy documents on the go.
Wage Audits
Thousands of employers every year are audited by their Workers Compensation regulator. We represent you in the process.
Advice
Our team of experts provides you with the Unlimited Advice and guidance to help you navigate the complex world of Workers Compensation.
Compliance made easy for your business.
No matter your industry, we've got the perfect plan to suit your needs.
WorkSafe VIC Certificate of Currency Basics
A Certificate of Currency is an official document and proof from your WorkSafe Agent, verifying you have a WorkCover Insurance Policy in place for your business.
Nominal Insurer Agents like DXC, WorkCover QLD, icare NSW will provide businesses with this document yearly, confirming your policy is valid and your business is compliant.
Phoenix Hotel
"I really appreciate the support from Employers Comp, which is really helpful and valuable for a business like ours."
Facts
VIC Workers Compensation
Fact #1
What is a Scheme Agent?
WorkSafe is the regulatory body in Victoria who has appointed Scheme Agents, such as DXC, to manage WorkCover Insurance and injured workers claims on behalf of WorkSafe Victoria and the WorkCover Insurance scheme.
Fact #2
Who sets your Premium Rates?
WorkSafe Victoria sets the premium rates for employers in Victoria who are mandadted to have a Workers Compensation policy in place. Unlike other industries, the premiums a business pays are set by the government annually, based on criteria guided by the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Victoria 2013.
Fact #3
It's Kind of Mandatory
Not all businesses are obligated to maintain Workers Compensation Insurance coverage. If your business falls under the mandate of Workers Compensation in Victoria, then it is compulsory for your business. It is for this reason we conduct an Employers Comp eligibility check for you when registering your business for Workers Compensation protection. Employers Comp is not a government representative. Employers Comp represents you, the employer and Policy Holders nationally. Need some help, schedule a call back to get free advice.
WorkCover Insurance Victoria Compensation Definitions
What is a WIC Code?
Workers Classification Code (WIC)
A WIC code is a crucial part of your WorkCover Insurance program. Each scheme has its own set of unique WIC Codes. Your premium is based on the WIC code allocated to your business. If your business changes its primary activity, then your WIC code may change. It is important to ensure your business has the correct WIC code allocated to it to avoid overpaying or underpaying on your WorkCover Premiums. Using a Workers Comp specialist like Employers Comp will assist you in ensuring you are paying the correct WIC code related to your business.
What is a Deemed Worker?
It’s Complicated!
A Deemed Worker is an individual who is “deemed to be a worker” for Workers Compensation purposes. This will include Full-Time, Part-Time and Casuals employees in your business. This will include Working Directors in your business, and in some situation's Independent Contractors. When renewing your WorkCover Insurance Policy it is the obligation of the employer to include all relevant Deemed Worker remuneration a business has paid when declaring its Actual Wages. Using a specialist like Employers Comp will assist you in ensuring you declaring your Wages accurately and on time to ensure you comply with your WorkSafe WorkCover Insurance obligations.
What is PIAWE?
Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings
If an injured worker is unable to perform their pre-injury job, or suitable alternative duties, as a result of a work-related injury or illness, any weekly compensation that may be payable is calculated by reference to the workers Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE). When a claim is registered with your WorkSafe Agent, your Agent is required to obtain the last 12 months of an injured Workers Payslips to Determine the injured workers PIAWE.
What is an Actual Wage Declaration?
A Government Submission
As an employer and policy holder you are required to declare how much Rateable Renumeration you have paid to your workers annually, through an Actual Wage Declaration. This is a formal government submission. This step is crucial because it helps WorkCover calculate a premium that's both fair and accurate for your business, making sure you are paying the right amount of premium based on your actual wages. It's a record keeping requirement that all Policy Holders are responsible of providing. Employers Comp takes this headache away so you can focus on your business.
WorkCover Insurance Victoria Certificate of Currency
What is a Certificate of Currency?
A Certificate of Currency is an official statement and record from your Agent, confirming you have a WorkCover Insurance Policy in place for the period stated on your certificate of currency. Nominal Insurers such as WorkSafe, DXC, WorkCover and others will issue businesses with this document annually, confirming your policy is effective.
What’s included on your Certificate of Currency?
Typical information you will find on your Certificate of Currency include, employing entity ABN, ACN, business legal name, business trading name, your Agents name, policy holders name, WorkCover Employers Number, and a statement from your insurer.
Why do people want a copy?
A Certificate of Currency is an important record keeping document, that provides confirmation your business has complied with your Workers Compensation legislation and has registered cover in place with WorkSafe. The certificate may be required when negotiating a commercial contract, hiring a contractor, getting on a building site, applying for work as contract driver, etc. Its important to keep your certificate of currency in a safe place you can easily find it.
When does it expire?
In Victoria, all WorkCover Policies align with the Financial Year. Most Agents will update your policy every year and send you a new certificate of currency before your policy runs out. But remember, it's your responsibility to maintain your policy, if you fail to pay your renewal fees on time or declare your wages on time, you can incur a penalty or forfeit your cover, which could harm your business.