Queensland employers are being urged to check the new definition of a "worker" before declaring their wages bill to WorkCover Queensland next month.
Minister for Industrial Relations Gordon Nuttall says employers are now responsible for every worker in their business - not just PAYE employees - following a change to the definition of a worker, from July 1, 2000.
All Queensland employers are required to advise WorkCover of their wages bill by August 31 to calculate their workers' compensation premiums.
"These premiums are designed to fully protect Queensland workers in the event that they're injured at work," Nuttall says.
"While the majority of employers do the right thing, there will be strict penalties for any employer failing to declare wages, or declaring less than the full amount."
Chief executive officer of WorkCover Queensland Tony Hawkins says the appeal for employers to take into account the new worker definition is being reinforced by a major newspaper advertising campaign.
"WorkCover Queensland has undertaken a year-long education campaign for employers and employees to ensure that at the end of next month, no Queensland worker will be short-changed.
"This system is designed to be fair and equitable to all employers - we don't want some businesses carrying the burden for others who don't pay their fair share."
The main industries affected by these changes are:
- building and construction
- transport
- fishing
- share farming
- cleaning
- horse racing
- shearing
- timber cutting
- taxi
- sales
- contract harvesters.