Workers compensation wage and classification reviews help employers check that the information used to assess their workers compensation premium reflects their workforce, payroll and business activities.
If your premium has changed when payroll appears steady, the explanation may involve other scheme-specific factors. WCS by ABILITY GROUP can review the relevant records and help you clarify what may need follow-up.
We review wage declarations, remuneration data and activity classifications to identify discrepancies, questions for the relevant insurer or authority, and opportunities to improve the quality of future declarations. Our work is tailored to the jurisdictions in which you operate and the records available.
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What a wage and classification review covers
Premium calculations rely on accurate information about remuneration, business activities, classifications and other jurisdiction-specific factors. Definitions and reporting requirements differ between schemes, so a review considers the rules that apply to each part of your business.
- Wage and remuneration data: compare declared figures with relevant payroll, finance and employment records.
- Business activity classifications: consider whether recorded activities and classifications reflect the work actually performed across sites and entities.
- Declarations and supporting records: review the consistency, completeness and traceability of information prepared for renewal or audit.
- Queries and determinations: help organise supporting evidence and coordinate a response to questions raised by an insurer or scheme authority. The relevant decision-maker retains responsibility for any determination.
How WCS supports employers
We bring together workers compensation, payroll, claims and operational context so employers can understand where figures came from and what needs clarification. Depending on the engagement, we can review historical and current information, explain potential areas of exposure, and support discussions with the relevant insurer, broker or authority.
Our findings help employers improve renewal preparation and internal controls. Where an adjustment or correction may be required, we explain the evidence and process considerations so the employer can decide how to proceed with the appropriate parties.
Who benefits from a review?
A review may be useful before renewal, after a wage audit, following a change in business activities, or when an employer operates across multiple entities, locations or jurisdictions. It can also help when payroll reports, insurer records and internal forecasts do not appear to align.
Frequently asked questions
What is a workers compensation wage audit?
A wage audit checks information used to calculate workers compensation premium, which may include remuneration, business activities and supporting records. The scope and definitions depend on the relevant jurisdiction.
Can WCS help if our insurer or scheme authority starts a wage audit?
Yes. WCS can help employers understand the information being requested, review relevant records, identify questions or inconsistencies, and coordinate a response with the appropriate insurer, broker or authority. The auditor or scheme decision-maker remains responsible for its findings and any determination.
Why has our premium increased if payroll has stayed about the same?
Payroll is only one part of a premium assessment. Depending on the scheme and policy, other factors may include the activities or classifications recorded, claims experience, applicable rates or adjustments, and how remuneration is defined. WCS can review the relevant information and help clarify which factors may apply to your circumstances; premium outcomes are not guaranteed.
Can WCS review wage declarations before submission?
Yes. WCS can review the information and records being prepared, identify inconsistencies or missing context, and help the employer coordinate questions with its insurer, broker or scheme authority.
Can a review change our premium?
A review may identify information that needs clarification or correction, but any premium impact depends on the applicable rules and the insurer or authority’s assessment. Outcomes are not guaranteed.
Does one classification system apply across Australia?
No. Classification rules and reporting requirements vary between jurisdictions and may depend on the activities performed. A review needs to account for the relevant scheme rules.
Discuss a wage or classification review
Talk with WCS about your renewal, audit, wage declaration or classification questions. We can help define a practical review based on your business structure and operating jurisdictions.
Contact Workers Compensation Solutions
General information only. Scheme rules and premium treatment vary by jurisdiction and employer circumstances. WCS does not make determinations on behalf of insurers or authorities.