Apply for self-insurance
WorkSafe’s application guideline and information for employers wanting to become self-insurers.
Eligibility to apply for self-insurance
Before an employer can apply for self-insurance, they must first complete an eligibility assessment. If WorkSafe finds them to be an eligible employer, they can then apply.
WorkSafe’s eligibility assessment determines if an employer:
- is a body corporate
- is not a subsidiary of another body corporate
- can and would be able to meet its claim liabilities.
WorkSafe assesses self-insurance eligibility in line with subsection 375 of the Workplace Injury and Rehabilitation Compensation Act 2013 (WIRC Act).
Application requirements and process
Employers will receive an application pack following a successful eligibility assessment. They should review the documents in the pack before applying for self-insurance.
- The ‘Self-insurance application form and schedules’, including any supporting documentation.
- Any other information WorkSafe requests.
Employers must also pay a fee to complete their application, see ‘Application fee’.
For full application details, refer to the ‘Self-insurance application guideline’.
Application submission timeframe
Employers must submit the required documents within 12 months of receiving eligibility notification. In certain circumstances, WorkSafe may grant an extension to the application validity period.
- Application fee
Following application submission, WorkSafe will invoice employers to pay the application fee.
WorkSafe calculates this fee using one of the following options (whichever is less).
- An amount equal to 0.033% of the total relevant remuneration of an employer. This is the amount paid or payable by the employer and its eligible subsidiaries to Victorian employees. The amount is for the most recent financial year.
- $75,670 (current as at 1 July 2024 and subject to indexation).
- Assessment of applications
Section 379(4) of the WIRC Act sets out the matters WorkSafe considers when assessing a self-insurance application. These include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Whether an employer is, and is likely to continue to be, able to meet their liabilities as and when they fall due.
- Claims administration resources, including employees and systems.
- The number of work-related injuries to workers of the employer and/or its eligible subsidiaries.
- The cost of any claims.
- The safety of the working conditions for workers employed by the employer and, if applicable, by their eligible subsidiaries.
- Any other matters relevant to WorkSafe.
WorkSafe may use the below methods as part of the assessment process.
- Review of the employer’s OHS management system.
- Interviews and meetings.
- On-site inspections, verification visits or special purpose audits.
- Review of claims management systems and reporting capabilities. This includes alignment with electronic data transfer (EDT) specifications.
Review of additional information WorkSafe may request from the employer.
- Consultation
WorkSafe accepts submissions about self-insurance applications during a consultation period. When a self-insurance application is made, WorkSafe publishes the applicant’s name and the consultation submission timeframe on its website.
Anyone with relevant information about an application can make a submission. WorkSafe may also contact stakeholders to notify them of an application, or to request information about an application.
Applicants have the right to respond to any submissions about their application.
Consultation on new and renewal of self-insurance applications
Application assessment timeframe
WorkSafe aims to complete its assessment of an application within 18 to 24 months. The actual duration can change depending on issues that may arise during the assessment.
Assessment outcomes
After assessing an application, WorkSafe will notify the employer of one of the following outcomes.
WorkSafe grants self-insurance approval
Initial approval is for a period of 3 years and is subject to the following considerations.
- Terms and conditions set out in the WIRC Act.
- The Ministerial Order made under section 380 of the WIRC Act.
- Any terms and conditions that WorkSafe may determine.
WorkSafe intends to refuse self-insurance approval
WorkSafe will notify the employer and provide reasoning for the intended refusal.
Employers may make a submission to WorkSafe in writing to further support their application. Submissions must be made within 28 business days after receiving the refusal notice.
Expectations of self-insurers
Like WorkCover scheme employers, self-insurers must meet WorkSafe’s expectations and standards in relation to claims management and safety.
Self-insurers must meet expectations in the following areas.
- Resources for claims administration, occupational rehabilitation and return to work.
- Claims management practices.
- Financial performance.
- Incidence of work-related injuries.
- Claims costs.
- Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and regulations.
- Ability to submit data in line with the EDT Specifications and/or as WorkSafe requests.
- Compliance with the WIRC Act, ministerial orders, terms and conditions and any other subordinate instrument made under the WIRC Act.
Further information
To contact WorkSafe about self-insurance, email [email protected]
WorkSafe Advisory
WorkSafe's advisory service is available between 7:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday. If you need more support, you can also contact WorkSafe using the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or the National Relay Service.
