Workers compensation insurance in Victoria

How workers compensation works in Victoria

• WorkSafe Victoria says that, generally, an employer must register for WorkCover insurance if it employs any workers in Victoria. A company that employs its owner counts that person as a worker, so the company needs to register.
• Registration isn't needed if the business has no apprentices and doesn't pay, and isn't liable to pay, more than a remuneration threshold in a financial year. Sole traders, partners and individual trustees who employ no other workers don't need to register either.
• The main factors in a premium are the employer's remuneration and the industry rate that applies. WorkSafe sets industry rates to reflect the claims experience of each industry.
• Small and new employers have their premium worked out from remuneration and the industry rate only. Above a remuneration level, the employer's own claims history also counts, through a performance rating that compares it with its industry.
• Each year's premium methods are set out in a Premiums Order under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013. Industry rates are published in the Victoria Government Gazette.
• Employers can review their estimate of rateable remuneration and pay their premium online through WorkSafe's Online Employer Services.