WA workers’ compensation premium rates increase

WA Workers' Compensation Premium Rates Increase by 6.9%

WorkCover WA CEO Chris White has announced a 6.9% rise in the 2022/23 recommended premium rates for compulsory workers' compensation insurance across Western Australia. This increase affects every industry sector relying on WorkCover WA cover to protect workers and businesses alike.

What Are the New Recommended Premium Rates?

Mr White confirmed the recommended premium rates for 2022/23 sit at 1.822 per cent of total wages, up from 1.704 per cent recorded for 2021/22. That represents a notable jump for organisations across every industry operating within the state.

"Each year, the Western Australian recommended premium rates are reviewed to ensure sufficient premium is collected to meet the costs of workers' compensation claims," Mr White said.

Why Are Rates Rising Across Industry?

Rising claim numbers combined with rising claim costs remain key drivers behind the 2022/23 increase, though wage growth has partially offset these pressures. Mr White noted that "rising claim numbers and claim costs are key drivers of the 2022/23 increase, offset by wage increases."

Several factors influence how rates shift within any given industry, including:

• Frequency and severity of workplace claims
• Overall wage growth trends impacting total remuneration calculations
• Government policy settings guiding scheme sustainability
• Sector-specific risk profiles across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industry groups

When Do New Rates Take Effect?

New rates have been published in a Special Government Gazette and take effect from 30 June 2022. Businesses across Western Australia should review their current policy arrangements ahead of this date to understand how updated obligations may affect budgeting and compliance planning.

You can download the full media statement here from WorkCover WA's official government website.

What This Means for Employers and Industry Stakeholders

For technical professionals managing safety and compliance across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, this premium adjustment reinforces the importance of accurate risk classification and proactive claims management. Reviewing your organisation's exposure now, rather than waiting until obligations shift, helps avoid unexpected cost pressure later.

Staying informed about workers' compensation trends across every state remains essential for safety-focused decision makers. For further context on national trends, read our coverage of the latest workers' compensation statistics released, plus updates on NSW's workers compensation exposure draft and the Queensland workers' compensation scheme review.

Organisations seeking to strengthen broader compliance documentation alongside these premium changes may also benefit from understanding when a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required on their sites.