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What does workers compensation cover?

You’ve finally landed a job! Congratulations! Working in the earthmoving industry is definitely no walk in the park. Each time you dig, drill, dump or carry tons of earthly materials, you are potentially putting one foot in a hospital emergency room somewhere. Risks and hazards come with the territory and by the time your first few hours roll, you’ll be quite sure that it takes only one wrong move for you to injure your own self or do harm to others in your way– and that’s when the question “What does workers compensation cover?”  comes in.

Workplace Protection

No matter how safe your job may be, there is always that possibility nagging at the back of your mind that you need to get the protection needed should you become ill, injured or, God forbid, be the victim of a fatal accident due to a work-related accident or illness. If you are working for an established company, it is a legal requirement in Australia to have workers compensation (or Workcover) insurance for employee protection in the event of being injured, ill, or disabled in connection with their work. Each state in the country, however, has distinctive rules and guidelines in regards to this, so it is always important to refer to your local offices for accurate information.

When it comes to Australia’s workers compensation insurance, employees who fall ill or become injured or disabled in a work-related incident can access  benefits– regardless of who’s at fault. In a way, this serves as a protection for both employees and employers. To employees, it delivers needed services for his or her recovery. To employers, a protective element for an employee in the event they are sued by employees for injuries covered by the insurance.

The Usual Cover

As mentioned, different states often deliver different workers compensation packages. However, all states cover all regular and probationary employees by a company EXCEPT independent contractors, volunteers, and casual workers. In most cases, the following benefits are included:

  • Replacement income
  • Medical care
  • Retraining costs
  • Permanent injuries compensation
  • Survivor benefits (for fatal cases)

When an earthmoving operator-employee collects any of the provided  benefits, the employee can no longer sue their employer. Income replacement in most cases is only available up to 75 percent of an employee’s average wage as well as fixed maximum benefit usually stipulated on the policy. Permanent work-related injuries are also covered in the same way as incidental accidents. Eligibility of the said benefits also begin immediately to ensure speedy recuperation of the employee or to offer immediate solace to the bereft family in the event of a fatality.

It is important to remember though that workers compensation benefits are NOT wages. Workers compensation, by the way, can be paid either by the insurance company (direct), via the employer, or by a state workers compensation regulator. Each state in Australia has rules and guidelines pertaining to their provision. Speciality insurance like income protection can help cover for lost wages due to illness and injury related absences and such policies can be obtained from providers independent and in addition to an employers workers compensation insurance.

Why The Need For Income Protection?

Workers compensation, though touted as a blanketed protection for employees, can have certain exclusions and limitations. Self-inflicted injuries, working under the influence of alcohol or liquor, in violation of the law or company policy and other injuries incurred outside of work are some to note. This is where it is important to work with someone who is knowledgeable about the industry in order to obtain for you dependable income protection insurance.   To learn more, call our hotline or send us a an email request.