Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 illnesses caused through a work environment may be considered a workers compensation claim. SIRA has therefore confirmed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease related illnesses may be considered valid claims. Employers are also able to reprocess premiums if their wages drop more than 30%.
Each state and territory have different workers compensation legislations, however an illness or disease acquired the workplace can be a workers compensation claim. In assessing coronavirus COVID-19 workers compensation claim liability would need to be reviewed on the specific circumstances.
Factors considered include, yet are not limited to:
- work related travel to an area with a known viral outbreak
- work related activities that include engagement or interaction with people who have contracted the virus
Where as part of their employment, an employee or employees are potentially exposed to coronavirus, the employer is required to provider assistance and guidance to the employee in helping them make a workers compensation claim.
It should be also noted, that SIRA is expecting NSW workers compensation insurers (icare, Statecover Mutual, HEM, CMI, etc) to maintain business continuity in providing support to policy holders, injured workers and other key stakeholders during the duration of the pandemic.
With respect to workers compensation premiums, if a business has been materially impacted by economic conditions related to coronavirus, then icare at least may reprocess policy instalment payments. If your full year wages are likely to decrease by 30% or more, please contact us as we can assist to have your remain instalment payments reduced which can help with cash flow during difficult times.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact our team to discuss.
For further information:
Source: SIRA
Title: SIRA prepares for impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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