Hi peeps I have recently started working as a trades assistant/labourer.
I work under an ABN for a guy and also work for a labour hire company.
Am I covered for workplace injury in any of these places?
-Work under ABN - there is no contract. Just a verbal agreement of $/hour
-Labour hire - I signed a contract. But there was no mention of insurance.
Should I get my own insurance?
Thanks
First I would read the contract you signed and if you do not understand it then get help. The contract should mention either insurance and/or public liability, which you need read very carefully to see if the hire company is paying for it our you need to organize it.
As for workplace injury you should ask the the person/company that ultimately pays you if they have workers insurance that covers you and if it does not then you will need to organize it.
As for death / TPD insurance then check out the company that your super is paid into for insurance in order to see if you are already paying for death and/or TPD and if you are not ask them for a quote.
The above is premised on that your employment is above board, which it may not be if it's in the building game.
Working under a verbal agreement is always a bad idea, I'd get something in writing about the contract and rates of pay. You should also be invoicing him under your ABN. Sounds more like dodgy cash in hand than anything else. Definitely want insurance here.
Labour hire - what does your contract say? Are they withholding tax and paying you super? Do you get a PAYG slip? Or is there an invoice that's paid for a fixed rate per hour?
Assuming your under a Sole Trader business structure you really need to talk to a lawyer and accountant in order to protect yourself and your assets.
All your liabilities are unlimited, so if you cause millions of dollars in damages you're personally liable for that.
Here are some insurances you should consider:
* Public Liability
* Portable Equipment
* Personal Accident Insurance
* Statutory Liability ( Up to You)
Legal wise:
* T&C
* Privacy Policy
Are you an employee or contractor?
Regardless, even if you're a contractor, the business that contracts you owes duty of care to you.
Thank you everyone. This has given me some pointers. I’ll find out more about my contract.
Definitely. You working under an ABN is you running your own business. You not only should get insurance for yourself such as sickness, but also public liability insurance in case you make a mistake and get sued.