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Insurance brokers don’t have a legislated role in the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 (the Act). But employers may find it beneficial to use an insurance broker to negotiate with an insurer on their behalf for a workers’ compensation policy.
Help employers meet their obligations
As an intermediary, the insurance broker can help employers understand and meet their obligations under the Act.
Employers must have a current workers’ compensation insurance policy
Insurance brokers should make sure their clients’ workers’ compensation insurance policies are up-to-date. An employer risks being prosecuted under the Act for not having a current policy.
When an insurance broker issues a policy, the broker should notify the insurer as soon as possible. Insurers are obliged to report new (or renewed) insurance policies to WorkCover WA for monitoring purposes. Delays in getting this information to us could trigger an investigation by our Compliance Branch.
Employers must submit completed claim forms to the insurer within five days, even if it’s not been submitted through a broker yet
Insurance brokers should encourage employers to submit claims directly to the insurer. If brokers do receive a claim form, they need to forward it to the insurer immediately on the employer’s behalf.
Further information about the legal obligations of employers can be found in the Employers section.
Stay informed about workers’ compensation and injury management
WorkCover WA raises awareness among insurance brokers about workers’ compensation and injury management issues through a range of initiatives. For example, in collaboration with the National Insurance Brokers Association, we host an education program for brokers about key issues that could affect them or their clients.
To learn more about upcoming events for insurance brokers, check the Events Calendar.
Contact Us
For more information about the roles and responsibilities of all parties in the workers’ compensation and injury management system, contact Advisory Services.
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