Businesses who fail to provide full workers compensation policies for workers on 457 visas could face fines of up to $55,000, according to WorkCover NSW.
WorkCover NSW has issued a reminder about employers’obligations after a recent case where a Taiwan-based business was found to have employed around 45 international workers on 457 visas without workers compensation policies.
WorkCover’s Executive Director of Workers Compensation Regulation Caroline Walsh said workers compensation policies were compulsory regardless of the employment arrangements.
“All companies involved with s457 visa workers are required under NSW law to have a policy of insurance for workers compensation from a licensed insurer and to make sure they implement and maintain it,” Ms Walsh said.
“If any person has entered into, or works under a contract of service with you – even if the contract is expressed or implied – then that person is considered a worker and you that person’s employer.”
“If you are a principal contractor who engages subcontractors to undertake work for you, then you should also ensure your subcontractors have taken out appropriate workers compensation for their workers and their premium payments are up to date,” Ms Walsh said.
Ms Walsh urged all businesses and contractors employing 457 visa holders to ensure they are meeting their workers compensation policy requirements by visiting the WorkCover NSW website.
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