A: The expense of the current scheme for employers covered by Seacare is in part due to the length of time a worker can stay on workers’ compensation at full pay, compared with what is a generally accepted community standard under state workers’ compensation laws. The following table provides a comparison of what the Seacare scheme looks like in relation to state workers’ compensation schemes on a number of indices. SEACARE STATE BY STATE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AUTHORITY AND LEGISLATION Costs per employer If maintained, on average $48,000 annually to recover Only premiums. costs. Highest premium of all workers’ compensation Due to high-risk industry, premiums will be higher than Premiums schemes. other industries, however, lower than the Seacare scheme. Deductions can be chosen by the company to vary the premium. No room to alter excess of claims. Claims management Company determines liability of claim (in theory, Insurer determines liability of claim (in conjunction operators should consult with their insurer before with company’s assistance). accepting a claim). Different jurisdictions have different entitlement Claimant entitled to 45 weeks of 100% weekly periods: payments and then capped at 75% payments. 95% of pre-injury earnings up to 13 weeks, Vic – Journey claims included. then 14-130 weeks @ 80%. Qld 85% of weekly earnings up to 26 weeks, then – 75% for two years.
A: The expense of the current scheme for employers covered by Seacare is in part due to the length of time a worker can stay on workers’ compensation at full pay, compared with what is a generally accepted community standard under state workers’ compensation laws. The following table provides a comparison of what the Seacare scheme looks like in relation to state workers’ compensation schemes on a number of indices. SEACARE STATE BY STATE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AUTHORITY AND LEGISLATION Costs per employer If maintained, on average $48,000 annually to recover costs. Only premiums. Premiums Highest premium of all workers’ compensation schemes. Deductions can be chosen by the company to vary the premium. Due to high-risk industry, premiums will be higher than other industries, however, lower than the Seacare scheme. No room to alter excess of claims. Claims management Company determines liability of claim (in theory, operators should consult with their insurer before accepting a claim). Claimant entitled to 45 weeks of 100% weekly payments and then capped at 75% payments. Journey claims included. Insurer determines liability of claim (in conjunction with company’s assistance). Different jurisdictions have different entitlement periods: Vic – 95% of pre-injury earnings up to 13 weeks, then 14-130 weeks @ 80%. Qld – 85% of weekly earnings up to 26 weeks, then 75% for two years.
australianminesandmetalsassociation_17022016_ssr1500021.docx