In the realm of insurance premium compliance, WorkCover Queensland steps in with its Authorized Persons, empowered to conduct administrative compliance actions. The goal is to pinpoint and penalize employers lacking sufficient workers' compensation insurance.
WorkCover leverages advanced data matching systems, establishing connections with both Federal and State Government agencies. Identification of under-insured or uninsured employers is facilitated through online wage audits, on-site visits, and various awareness initiatives conducted by WorkCover throughout the year.
For employers falling short on insurance coverage, WorkCover holds the authority to recover unpaid premiums, accompanied by a penalty equivalent to 100% of the overdue premium. Furthermore, in cases where WorkCover has disbursed compensation or damages for an injury incurred by a worker during a period of employer under-insurance or non-insurance, recovery actions are initiated. WorkCover can reclaim the payment amount along with a penalty equal to 50% of the disbursed sum.
As an additional measure, WorkCover identifies instances warranting investigation and potential prosecution by Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Services for uninsured and under-insured employers.
WorkCover compliance activity 2021-2022 - to 31 March 2022
| Activity | Number | Amount recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Employer wage audits | 288 | $7,920,331 |
| Premium raised for uninsured employers | 55 | $867,890 |
| Employer site visits | 201 | $56,885 |
| Action against uninsured employers where a claim was made | 191 | $2,577,227 |
| Classification reviews | 27 | $337,643 |
| Total | 762 | $11,759,976 |
Wage audits completed by industry
| Industry | Wage audits |
|---|---|
| Construction | 73 |
| Accommodation and food services | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
| Retail trade | 23 |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 21 |
| Health care and social assistance | 19 |
| Wholesale trade | 18 |
| Administrative and support services | 13 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 11 |
| Other services | 10 |
| Education and training | 8 |
| Public administration and safety | 6 |
| Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services | 6 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 5 |
| Arts and recreation services | 4 |
| Labour hire | 2 |
| Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services | 2 |
| Financial and Insurance Services | 1 |