A courier and trucking business has been fined $1,500 in the Newman Court and forced to pay court costs of $575 after failing to maintain current workers’ compensation insurance.

While the majority of prosecutions result from routine investigations undertaken by WorkCover WA, in this case the investigation was triggered by a work-related injury.

General Manager Regulatory Services Tim Roach said he is unsympathetic to employers who fail to protect their workers.

“Workers’ compensation is compulsory under the law and failing to maintain appropriate insurance cover can attract a fine of up to $5,000 per uninsured worker," he said.

Every employer must ensure their workers are protected, even if employing a single worker or employing workers for a short period of time.

“Uninsured employers may also face liability for an injured worker’s medical expenses and lost income, which could be catastrophic to the employer’s business and livelihood.”

All employers are encouraged to call their insurer or insurance broker to make sure they have an appropriate and current workers’ compensation insurance policy.

For more information about workers’ compensation and obligations of an employer, see the WorkCover WA website at www.workcover.wa.gov.au or phone WorkCover WA’s Advisory Service on 1300 794 744.