Jockeys & Apprentice Jockeys
RQ holds an insurance contract with WorkCover Queensland for jockeys and apprentices who are licensed to ride at licensed racetracks and all programmed race meetings. This coverage applies to jockeys and apprentices who have ridden in a programmed race within the last 12 months. Trainee apprentices are not covered under this policy as they are not licensed to ride in races (see below for details on Apprentice discounts).
RQ’s policy also specifically covers jockeys and apprentice jockeys while they are riding a registered Thoroughbred horse on a registered racetrack, including during a race, trackwork, jump outs, or barrier trials. However, any injuries sustained during other activities outside of these circumstances may fall under the trainer’s liability. This is assessed by WorkCover. Activities that are separate from the role of a jockey would almost certainly be covered by the Trainer’s WorkCover.
Lodging a Claim
To ensure a claim and return to work is as timely as possible, the following steps should be followed:
- Attend a medical practice to obtain a work capacity certificate.
- Lodge a Workers Compensation Claim via calling 1300 362 128 or lodging online via the Workcover Queensland website (LINK)
- Be diligent with any communications from WCQ and provide requested information promptly
- Ensure open communication and updates between injured workers and employer.
- Workcover Queensland https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/
WorkCover Information for Trainers
Racing Queensland (RQ) would like to remind all clubs and trainers of their obligation to ensure appropriate level of WorkCover insurance is in place. RQ strongly encourages all clubs and trainers that don’t have WorkCover insurance to consider taking out WorkCover insurance and encourages clubs and trainers with existing WorkCover insurance to review their existing arrangements to ensure sufficient coverage is in place. For more information about what WorkCover insurance is, please click on this link.
View Trainers Guide To WorkCover & FAQ’s here.
Apprentice Discount for Trainers
Trainers who employ Apprentice’s or Trainee Apprentice’s, are eligible to receive a discount on their Workcover premium. Trainers still need to declare any apprentice wages however the discount works by excluding any wages paid to an apprentice from their premium calculation. For more information please click on this link How to reduce your premium | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.
Employers of Employees
WorkCover insurance is mandatory for all Queensland employers and the implications of being uninsured or under-insured are serious and can lead to fines and penalties being imposed on the club by WorkCover Queensland. WorkCover Queensland has the ability to carry out administrative compliance actions to identify and penalise employers who don't hold adequate workers’ compensation insurance. For more information on this risk, please click on this link.
Volunteers
The racing industry is serviced by a significant volume of volunteer support and some clubs may not strictly meet the criteria of being an ‘employer’. However, the parameters of who is to be insured as a ‘worker’ is not black and white, particularly when considering volunteers. RQ encourages all clubs to speak with WorkCover to obtain insurance and to clarify if any of your current arrangements could result in your club being subject to a WorkCover claim. Some examples of work arrangements that may not be clear and require clarification may include (please note this list is not exhaustive):
- Internships: A person maybe a worker if the person is performing work for a club or undertaking without payment of wages to gain practical experience in the type of work performed by the club or undertaking, or seeking to obtain a qualification; and would be a worker if the work performed by the person were for the payment of wages (eg. Track curator, etc).
- Volunteer receiving non-cash benefit: A person receiving benefit for services (e.g. race tickets, travel expenses) may be considered a worker.
- Volunteer receiving cash benefit: A person receiving cash for a service (eg. barrier staff, bar staff, clerks, starter, etc) will likely be considered a worker.
- A person who paid for work as a “contractor” and provides an ABN, may in fact be a ‘worker’ and must be insured by the club (eg. Barrier staff, farrier, vet, etc).
- A person who ‘volunteers’ on a regular basis and receives a benefit or recompense for the work may be considered a worker (eg. Barrier staff, judge, photo finish operator).
- A person who is paid for work but has an ABN may well still be a ‘worker’ under the act.
Given the uncertainty RQ strongly encourages all clubs to take out WorkCover insurance with WorkCover Queensland.
It should be noted that Clubs and Trainers can insure with WorkCover Queensland for as little as $200 per year, whereas the penalties for being uninsured or underinsured can be far more significant. In the event of a fine or penalty against a club, any other insurance arrangements that RQ has on behalf of the club will not cover the club and, therefore, it would be the responsibility of the club to pay in full.
A comprehensive guide to WorkCover Accident Insurance can be viewed here.
WorkCover information on premium calculation: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-insurance/workcover-insurance/premium-calculation
WorkCover information on the apprentice discount: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-insurance/workcover-insurance/premium-calculation/how-to-reduce-your-premium
Further Information
For more information on WorkCover policies please call WorkCover on 1300 362 128. Should you have any questions about other insurances that RQ maintains on behalf of Clubs please contact Hayley Vincent, General Manager Risk and Compliance on (07) 3869 9721.