Who is the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and what is their function?
As discussed in their recent newsletter, SIRA is the independent regulator of the NSW Workers’ Compensation scheme, amongst other insurance schemes. SIRA’s purpose is to ensure the scheme protects and supports the people that need it. SIRA Inspectors ensure employers are compliant with workers compensation, injury management and return to work obligations, and promote best practice for recovery at work processes and injury management within workplaces. SafeWork NSW Inspectors can also undertake the same functions, as authorised by SIRA.
SIRA’s role includes improving employer compliance and capacity to be compliant in accordance with the regulatory framework as well as supervising employers to achieve this, identifying and assessing risk and the appropriate response to guide employers to implement strategy.
When would a SIRA inspector visit a workplace?
When a complaint or information is received indicating an employer may not be meeting their obligations;
When there is an identified higher risk of poor return to work outcome;
When there is a current or recent workers’ compensation claim.
Possible actions from SIRA if employer is deemed to not be meeting their obligations:
issuing an employer improvement notice (which specifies how to comply and the date for compliance) and/or;
issuing an official caution letter and/or;
issuing a penalty notice;
further investigation may occur if required.
