Workers' compensation

All employers must have workers' compensation insurance.

The Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 requires all Queensland employers to take out an accident insurance policy within 5 business days after employing people in Queensland. If you do not take out a policy within this time frame, penalties may apply.

If one of your workers has a work-related injury, workers' compensation will cover their medical costs and lost wages.

As an employer, workers' compensation will cover you for these costs too, as well as costs from possible common law claims that you might face if your employee sues you because they claim you did not provide a safe work environment.

This guide explains workers' compensation in Queensland.