Workers compensation & annual leave entitlements are key components of employment law, ensuring that employees are protected & supported in the workplace. Each state/territory has specific workers compensation regulations with a common goal of providing financial support for injured & ill workers. So what happens with some types of Annual Leave & Workers Compensation Claims?
As we approach the festive season, there is an important reminder for businesses given the implications of annual leave & workers compensation claims.
We want to remind all businesses with casual workers (or workers who will not have access to annual leave) on workers compensation claims & are currently performing suitable duties. If your site closes over the holiday period, & these suitable duties are no longer available, these workers may still be entitled to receive weekly compensation benefits.
ABILITY GROUP can help develop strategies to help businesses minimise any potential impact on your workers’ compensation premiums & a quick call could save your business significant sums of money. Before this though, it is important to understand annual leave & also who is responsible for workers compensation in your state/territory.
Understanding Annual Leave
Annual leave, also known as holiday pay, allows employees to take paid time off from work. The entitlements for annual leave are governed by the National Employment Standards (NES), which provide a minimum standard for all employees.
Key points:
- Full-time & Part-time Employees – are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave per year, pro-rata on their ordinary hours of work
- Shift Workers – may be entitled to up to five weeks of annual leave per year, depending on the award or agreement
- Accruals – annual leave accumulates from the first day of employment & continues to accrue during paid leave periods
- Carryover – unused annual leave can be carried over to the next year
Each state & territory may have additional regulations or agreements.
Workers Compensation Authorities
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial assistance to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work. Workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, & lost wages while the employee is unable to work. Each Australian state/territory has its own workers’ compensation legislation.
For further information regarding specific treatment of the above items, please contact us or refer to:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – managed by WorkSafe ACT
- New South Wales (NSW) – administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
- Northern Territory (NT) – overseen by NT WorkSafe
- Queensland – covered by WorkCover Queensland
- South Australia (SA) – managed by ReturnToWork SA
- Tasmania – administered by WorkSafe Tasmania
- Victoria – managed by WorkSafe Victoria
- Western Australia (WA) – covered by WorkCover WA
- Commonwealth – managed by Comcare
These schemes ensure that employees receive the necessary support to recover from work-related injuries or illnesses & return to work safely.
Need Help?
Contact our team to discuss your circumstances.