A Simple Guide for Employers
📝 What Are Your Obligations?
If you’re a business owner in Tasmania, understanding your obligations when it comes to Workers Compensation Insurance Tasmania is not just important — it’s essential. Whether you have one employee or fifty, the law requires you to have a workers compensation policy in place to protect your team and your business.
So what exactly are your responsibilities, and what happens if you don’t meet them?
🧾 Who Needs Workers Compensation Insurance?
If you employ workers in Tasmania — full-time, part-time, or casual — you’re required to take out a Workers Compensation Insurance policy through a licensed insurer. This is mandated under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Tas).
This also applies to apprentices, trainees, and some contractors depending on their work arrangements.
👉 Check your status here:
WorkSafe Tasmania – Employer Responsibilities
📋 What You Must Do as an Employer
As an employer, you are legally required to:
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Take out and maintain a valid workers compensation insurance policy
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Notify your insurer within 8 working days of any injury
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Keep detailed records of all work-related injuries
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Assist with return to work plans
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Display a notice about workers compensation in your workplace
Failure to comply can result in penalties, unpaid claim costs, and serious legal issues.
👉 More detail here:
WorkSafe Tasmania – Compliance and Enforcement
⚠️ What Happens if You Don’t Have Cover?
Not having a policy puts your business at financial and legal risk. You may be liable for the full cost of compensation, including:
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Medical expenses
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Weekly income replacement
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Rehabilitation costs
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Legal defence or settlement fees
Even one minor injury could result in major financial damage if you’re not covered.
🔁 Have You Reviewed What Your Policy Actually Covers?
Meeting your legal responsibilities is step one — but are you confident your policy actually covers what you think it does?
👉 Read our companion article here on the RSM Tasmania site:
“What Does Workers Compensation Really Cover? And What It Doesn’t…”
It breaks down exactly what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to protect your business from being underinsured.
🧾 Claim Forms and Process
If an incident does occur, the claim process includes:
- Lodging a Workers Compensation Claim Form
- Providing a Certificate of Capacity from a doctor
- Notifying your insurer and keeping accurate records
You can download the official form here:
👉 Workers Compensation Claim Form (PDF)
✅ In Summary
Staying on top of your Workers Compensation Insurance Tasmania responsibilities is a legal must — but it also shows your team that you’ve got their backs. It’s a practical, proactive way to reduce risk and strengthen your business reputation.
Need help getting compliant or reviewing your current policy?
Talk to the team at WCOMP Tasmania today — we’re local brokers who understand what Tasmanian businesses need to stay protected.
Remember, this article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at RSM Tasmania Insurance Brokers Hobart.
Talk to Roger Hosie and stay ahead with our Workers Comp insights.
Call Now! (03) 6244 7854, or email roger@wcomptas.com.au.