Typically, registration for WorkCover insurance is necessary if you or your company hires any workers in Victoria. If your company employs you personally, you are considered an employee of your own company and are required to register.

No, WorkCover is not just for manual labour workers. WorkCover is a form of insurance that provides protection to all employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness, regardless of the type of work they do. This includes not only manual labour workers but also office workers, professionals, service industry employees, and anyone else employed under a contract of service.

The types of coverage and benefits provided by WorkCover can include:

1. Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: Covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other related expenses
2. Income Replacement: Providing compensation for lost wages if the worker is unable to work due to their injury or illness
3. Permanent Impairment: Compensation for permanent disabilities resulting from the injury
4. Return to Work Programs: Support to help the injured worker return to work as soon as possible
5. Legal Costs: Covering legal expenses if there are disputes over the claim.

WorkCover aims to ensure that all workers, regardless of their job type, have access to support and compensation if they are injured or become ill due to their work environment.

• You must register for WorkCover insurance within 60 days of becoming an employer
• You must also register if you expect to pay more than $7,500 in wages in a financial year
• If you employ apprentices or trainees, you need to register regardless of the amount you pay in wages.

• You don't need to register for WorkCover if you or your company has no apprentices, and does not or is not liable to pay more than $7,500 in a financial year in remuneration
• Sole traders, partnerships and trusts do not need to register if they do not employ any other people as workers
• You don't need to register if you're a company and you do all the contract work for your company's one and only business client.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/do-i-need-register-workcover-insurance

You can complete your WorkCover insurance registration either online or by post.

• If you decide to register online, you will have to login into the WorkSafe Victoria insurance online portal called 'Online Employer Services' and start a new registration.
• You will need to provide details about your business, including your Australian Business Number (ABN), estimated wages, and the type of work your employees will be doing.
• If you choose to register by post, you have to complete a form and then submit it to a WorkSafe agent of your choice.

• Failure to register for WorkCover insurance when required can result in penalties.  
• You may be liable for the costs of any claims made by your employees if they are injured or become ill at work.

You are required to pay an annual WorkCover insurance premium. The premium is calculated based on your total wages paid and the industry classification of your business, which reflects the risk associated with your industry.

• WorkSafe Victoria typically sends a premium notice each year, detailing the amount due and payment deadlines.
• You must make timely payments to avoid penalties and interest charges.

At the close of the financial year, it's mandatory to certify your remuneration. This entails submitting the remuneration paid, including wages, salaries, and contractor payments, to WorkCover.

For large employers, this certification must be completed by October 27th, while for small employers, the deadline is March 22nd.

During the certification process, you'll also need to review and adjust your estimated remuneration for the upcoming year. This updated estimate is crucial as it influences your future premiums. Moreover, penalties may apply if your certified remuneration deviates by more than 20% from the prior year's estimate.

We strongly advise reviewing and updating your estimated remuneration if there have been any changes in your business circumstances throughout the financial year. During this review we would also suggest checking that the industry you are currently under is correct.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of wages, employment terms, and other relevant information. 
•  Records should be kept for a minimum of seven years and be available for inspection by WorkSafe Victoria if required.

• Inform WorkSafe Victoria of any significant changes in your business that could affect your insurance.
• This includes changes in the number of employees, changes in the nature of work performed, or if you cease to be an employer. Notify WorkSafe within 14 days of these changes.

Report any work-related injuries or illnesses to WorkSafe Victoria as soon as possible. You are legally required to notify WorkSafe of serious incidents immediately by phone and submit a formal report within 48 hours.

Types of incidents that are reportable incidents.

When a person is injured (This applies to all persons, not just employees but customers also):

• death of a person
• 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 (example: de-gloving, scalping), electric shock, spinal injury, loss of a bodily function, serious lacerations (example: requiring stitching or other medical treatment)

When a person is not injured:

• an uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of any substance, including dangerous goods within the meaning of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985
• an implosion, explosion or fire
• electric shock
• the fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or thing.

You will also need to keep records of all injuries. Get the injury record template from WorkCover here.

• Ensure a safe and healthy workplace by adhering to occupational health and safety (OHS) laws.
• Implement and maintain safety protocols, provide necessary training, and address hazards promptly to prevent injuries and illnesses.

• Cooperate with WorkSafe Victoria and your injured employees in the claims process.
• Provide necessary information and support to facilitate the injured employee’s recovery and return to work.
• Implement return-to-work programs to assist employees in transitioning back to their roles following an injury or illness.

• Be prepared for audits and inspections by WorkSafe Victoria. These audits ensure compliance with OHS and WorkCover insurance requirements.
• Cooperate with WorkSafe inspectors and provide access to relevant records and information.

By fulfilling these ongoing obligations, you help maintain a safe workplace, ensure your employees are protected, and stay compliant with Victorian WorkCover insurance regulations. For more detailed information and guidance, you can refer to the WorkSafe Victoria website.

For small employers your premium is calculated by multiplying your ratable remuneration by your industry rate.

For large employers, your premium is determined by multiplying your ratable remuneration by your industry rate and factoring in your recent claims experience. This experience, known as your ERP, is indicated on your statement and compares your claims history to the average for your industry. If your claims performance surpasses your industry's average, you'll pay a reduced rate. Conversely, if your performance falls below the industry standard, you can expect to pay more than the standard rate.
Get the WorkCover guide here.

Ratable remuneration is any form if cash or non-cash benefit paid to your workers. This can include but is not limited to Wages, Superannuation, Leave payments, overtime, Bonuses, Fringe benefits, allowances (some exempt) and contractor payments where the contractor is deemed to be an employee.

Degree of Control: If the business has a high level of control over how, when, and where the work is performed, the worker is more likely to be considered an employee. Contractors generally have more control over their work methods and schedule.

Autonomy: Independent contractors operate their own business and are free to accept or refuse work from multiple clients. Employees typically have less autonomy and work exclusively for one employer.

Investment and Expenses:

• Contractors often provide their own tools and equipment and are responsible for their own expenses. They can make a profit or incur a loss. Employees, on the other hand, usually receive a fixed wage or salary and have work-related expenses covered by the employer.

Payment Method:

• Employees are typically paid a regular wage or salary, while contractors are paid per project or task, often submitting invoices for their work.

Role in Business: If the worker’s role is integral to the business, they are more likely to be considered an employee. Contractors are usually engaged for specific tasks or projects and are not a core part of the business.

Ongoing Relationship: An ongoing relationship with an indefinite term is indicative of an employee, whereas a contractor is typically engaged for a specific period or task.

Superannuation and Taxes: Employees receive superannuation contributions and have taxes withheld by the employer. Contractors manage their own superannuation and taxation obligations.

Here is a flow chart that goes over the key factors that will help determine if a contractor is a worker for the purposes of WorkCover.

Ensure you are registered using the correct industry.

Using the incorrect industry could lead to penalties, inadequate cover and/or much higher premiums.

The industry you are under relates to how you generate your income. For example, if you manufacture bikes, but half of your staff work in administrative roles your entire workforce will be classified under the manufacturing rate.

Paying your Workcover premium early gives you a discount.

5% discount - Pay in full before 14 August

3% discount - Pay in full before 1 October

If you choose to you can also pay your Workcover in installments, either monthly or quarterly, however you will not receive any discount.

WorkSafe also issues licenses for various dangerous activities including but not limited to:

•       Explosives
•       Asbestos removal
•       Dangerous goods
•       Other high risk work