Workers Compensation Insurance is a mandatory requirement for employers and provides protection for workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their employment. It also protects employers by covering statutory benefits, medical costs and common law liabilities arising from work-related injuries.

At Rivergum Insurance Brokers, we specialise in arranging Workers Compensation Insurance for Western Australia (WA), the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Workers compensation in other states and territories is managed directly through the relevant government authorities.

Where Rivergum Can Assist

We can arrange Workers Compensation Insurance policies for employers operating in:

• Western Australia (WA)

• Northern Territory (NT)

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

For all other states and territories, workers compensation is administered by the relevant state-based government scheme, and policies are not placed through brokers in the same way.

Workers Compensation in Western Australia

How the WA System Works

In Western Australia:

• Workers compensation insurance is provided by approved private insurers

• WorkCover WA is the regulator and scheme manager

• WorkCover WA does not insure employers or manage claims directly

WorkCover WA:

• Sets and publishes recommended premium rates

• Oversees compliance with legislation

• Provides guidance on injury management, return to work and employer obligations

• Regulates insurers, employers and service providers

Who Must Hold Workers Compensation Insurance (WA)

In WA, you are generally required to hold workers compensation insurance if you:

• Employ workers under a contract of service

• Pay wages, salaries or remuneration

• Engage apprentices, trainees or labour hire workers

This includes:

• Full-time, part-time and casual employees

• Some contractors deemed to be “workers” under WA legislation

What Workers Compensation Covers

Workers compensation insurance typically covers:

For Workers

• Medical and hospital expenses

• Weekly income payments while incapacitated

• Rehabilitation and retraining costs

• Lump sum payments (where applicable)

For Employers

• Statutory benefits payable to injured workers

• Legal liability for work-related injuries

• Certain common law claims (subject to legislation and thresholds)

How Workers Compensation Claims Work (WA)

1. Injury Occurs

A worker is injured or becomes ill due to their employment.

2. Worker Notifies Employer

The worker should notify the employer as soon as practicable.

3. Medical Certificate Issued

A treating medical practitioner issues a First Certificate of Capacity, confirming:

• The injury

• Capacity for work

• Any restrictions or suitable duties

4. Employer Lodges Claim

The employer:

• Provides a Workers Compensation Claim Form

• Submits the completed claim and certificate to their insurer

• Must lodge the claim promptly

5. Insurer Assesses the Claim

The insurer assesses:

• Liability under the legislation

• Medical evidence

• Employment details

The insurer then accepts or disputes liability in accordance with statutory timeframes.

Injury Management & Return to Work (WA)

Employer Obligations

Employers must:

• Have an injury management system

• Cooperate with the worker, insurer and treating practitioners

• Support return to work where medically appropriate

Return to Work

Early and effective return to work:

• Supports worker recovery

• Reduces claim duration and cost

• Helps maintain productivity and morale

WorkCover WA provides templates and guidance for:

• Injury management systems

• Return to work programs

• Suitable duties planning

Why WHS Performance Matters

WHS and Premium Outcomes

While WorkCover WA sets recommended industry rates, insurers consider:

• Nature of work performed

• Claims history and claim costs

• Injury management and return to work outcomes

• Overall risk profile

Poor WHS practices can lead to:

• More frequent injuries

• Higher claim costs

• Increased premiums over time

Strong WHS systems help:

• Reduce workplace injuries

• Improve claims outcomes

• Support more sustainable premium levels

Key WHS Focus Areas

• Risk assessments and safe systems of work

• Training and supervision

• Manual handling controls

• Incident reporting and investigation

• Early injury reporting and management

WorkCover WA Resources

WorkCover WA provides extensive employer guidance, including:

• Employer obligations and compliance

• Premium rating and recommended rates

• Injury management and return to work

• Claims and dispute resolution processes

👉 We regularly refer clients to WorkCover WA’s employer guides, injury management templates and premium information resources to support compliance and best practice.

What Workers Compensation Does Not Cover

Workers compensation generally does not cover:

• Injuries not arising out of employment

• Serious and wilful misconduct (with limited exceptions)

• Independent contractors not deemed to be workers

Each claim is assessed on its individual circumstances.

Why Arrange Workers Compensation Through Rivergum (WA, NT & ACT)

We help employers:

• Arrange compliant workers compensation policies

• Understand classification and remuneration declarations

• Navigate WorkCover WA requirements

• Improve injury management and return-to-work outcomes

• Support claims and insurer engagement

Our focus is on compliance, cost control and long-term sustainability — not just policy placement.

Speak With Us

If your business operates in WA, NT or ACT and you’d like assistance with Workers Compensation Insurance, compliance or claims support, we’re here to help.

Contact Rivergum Insurance Brokers to discuss your workforce, operations and obligations.