Australia: Strawberry farmers face insurance audit
An audit by WorkCover Queensland has found that of the region's 41 farms, only 23 had appropriate workers' compensation coverage. The other 18 were either uninsured or underinsured.
The 44% of strawberry businesses not providing adequate coverage is more than double the 20% of businesses in regional centres across the state found to fall short.
WorkCover Queensland conducted 3000 compliance and education site visits last month to employers in the construction, racing, retail and agriculture industries in Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane.
WorkCover Education and Compliance manager Erin Leftwich said the visits were part of an ongoing education program assisting employers to understand their obligations under workers' compensation legislation.
"The agriculture industry attracts many seasonal and overseas workers which may make it unclear for employers to know whether to cover them for workers' compensation," Ms Leftwich said.
"We will continue to work with employers in the agriculture industry and help them to understand their obligations, particularly in relation to these working arrangements."
Chevallum strawberry farmer Jeff Twist said his worker insurance met the requirements.
Source: sunshinecoastdaily.com.au